Real IRA Deny Derry Killing

The so-called 'Real IRA', a dissident republican terrorist group has denied any involvement in the murder of a 22-year-old Derry man in the Creggan Estate this week.

A statement was issued in advance of the funeral this weekend of Emmett Sheils, from Tyrconnell Street in the Bogside, who was shot in the Bligh's Lane area at about 12.45am on Tuesday.

His interment will take place in St. Eugene's Cathedral at 11.30am on Saturday.

According to the local paper, the Derry Journal, a spokesperson for the 32 County Sovereignty Movement - the political wing of the Real IRA - has issued a statement extending its "deepest sympathies" to the family and friends of Mr Sheils. The statement also "utterly condemned those who carried out this criminal act."

The statement added: "Following discussions with the republican movement in the city, we can confirm that Óglaigh na hÉireann had no hand, act or part in this senseless killing of an innocent young republican."

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old man being questioned in relation to the murder has been released without charge - although another man remains in custody - and police probing a brutal Portrush murder are still questioning one person in relation to that killing.

As a 17-year-old man remains in custody in relation to the killing of Emmett Shiels, it has also emerged that a car which may be linked to the outrage has been removed by Army Technical Officers for forensic examination from the Ballyarnet area.

Members of the INLA were initially blamed for the attack which has provoked outrage in the city and has also been condemned by the Deputy First Minister, Derry man, Martin McGuinness.

Meanwhile, a murder inquiry was launched yesterday after the body of a man was found in Portrush.

The body of William Meeke, 35, who is understood to have been badly beaten and suffered head injuries, was found in a flat at Causeway Street following the discovery of a fire at the building around 6.15am.

A man was arrested in connection with the incident and is still assisting police with their inquiries.

However, detectives investigating the incident are still urging witnesses to come forward.

(BMcC)