28 March 2012

Appeal Launched For Ronan Kerr Murder

An appeal has been launched about a garage detectives believe is linked to Ronan Kerr's murder.

The appeal is being made in the run-up to the first anniversary of the under-car bomb explosion which killed 25-year-old Constable Kerr in Omagh on Saturday 2 April 2011.

Four days after Ronan's murder, police uncovered a significant quantity of firearms and explosives along with a number of stolen vehicles in a garage unit at Mountjoy Road near Coalisland. One man has been charged in connection with this seizure.

The officer leading the murder investigation and a number of linked incidents which include the Mountjoy Road find, Detective Superintendent Raymond Murray, said: "This is a long-term investigation with Ronan's murder at its core but incorporating several linked incidents. It is an extremely large investigation which, as we said at the outset, will rely on detail to succeed.

"We believe we have identified some key individuals connected to the discovery at the garage at 187A Mountjoy Road. But we also believe there are other people, both men and women, who remain to be identified. This is an integral part of our investigation. We need to know who was renting these premises and who frequented them.

"Any information about who had an involvement with these premises may assist in the investigation into Ronan’s murder. I would ask for more support from the community. Ronan’s murder is as devastating for his family today as it was a year ago. If you can assist in any way by providing information, please do so. It is the right thing to do."

A £50,000 reward remains on offer from the independent charity Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Ronan’s murder. The Crimestoppers number is 0800 555 111.

(CD/GK)