Real IRA denies fatal shooting involvement
The Real IRA has denied carrying out the murder of a Strabane man on the Donegal border last night.
Andrew Burns, 27, was dumped from a car and shot outside Doneyloop chapel at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.
He is believed to have had links with republican dissidents in the Tyrone area and fallen foul of former associates.
He had also been shot and injured several years ago in a so-called punishment attack.
However, in a phone call to the 'Derry Journal' just before lunchtime today using a recognised codeword, the Real IRA said it had "absolutely nothing" to do with the killing and urged those responsible to explain the reasons for their actions as it was being used against their organisation "for propaganda purposes."
It is understood the victim was shot in the stomach and crawled a short distance before dying from his injuries.
Mr Burns, from Drum Road in the Camus area outside Strabane, was found lying in the church car park adjacent to the parochial house.
It is believed two shots were heard. The alarm was raised by local people who were attending a community event in the nearby parish hall.
Eye witnesses say a number of people, including a nurse, tried in vain to resuscitate Mr Burns, who was known by his nickname, "Burnsie".
Local priest, Fr Brian McGoldrick, who lives in the parochial house at Doneyloop, said he was appalled by the brutal killing.
Strabane Parish Priest, Fr Declan Boland, said the Burns' family were "crushed and broken" by the death.
"I want to condemn this as a most heinous, immoral and depraved act," he said. "That a young man should be abducted and done to death in such a vicious and callous manner."
Mr Burns' family were too upset to be interviewed when contacted at their home yesterday.
They are particularly anxious to speak to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in an alleyway from Main Street into St Lurach's Road and the nearby car park.
Police would also like to trace the route taken by a green Volkswagen Golf, TDZ 6528, during Sunday evening and the early hours of Monday morning.
Anyone who noticed suspicious activity in the Coolnasillagh Road and Glenshane Pass area during this period is asked to contact officers.
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
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