The claim came as two of the victim's sons and another man sought bail on charges linked to an alleged attack on one of those accused of attempting to murder a friend of their father.

A judge refused to release all three suspects due to the potential risk of re-offending.

Twins Ryan and Marc McDaid, both 22, and 23-year-old Peter George Antony Neill, all from Somerset Drive, Coleraine, were charged over an incident in the town last Tuesday.

A 24-year-old man was allegedly assaulted at a filling station while out on bail charged with trying to kill Damien Fleming.

Mr Fleming was critically injured during the same mob attack which claimed 49-year-old Mr McDaid's life in May.

The father of four was beaten to death when sectarian violence erupted in the Heights area, allegedly over the erection of Irish tricolour flags.

Neill and Ryan McDaid have now been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in connection with the latest incident.

Marc McDaid has been accused of aiding and abetting actual bodily harm. All three are charged with affray.

During the bail hearing defence barrister Kieran Mallon revealed how the murder victim's widow Evelyn has been forced to move from the Coleraine area.

Mr Mallon said she had shown maturity and taken the responsible step of relocating her family due to verbal abuse suffered.

Refusing bail for all three applicants, Mr Justice Hart said he understood the heightened tensions and emotions in the area.

However, he stressed that the risk of re-offending meant they could not be released.