Mark Lovell murder: £20,000 reward offered for information leading to arrests and convictions; Police issue appeal over 'ruthless execution' in Newry

By Roderick McMurray
Published 6th Dec 2022, 10:56 BST
Updated 6th Dec 2022, 11:07 BST
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Detectives investigating the murder of Mark Lovell in Newry last week have reiterated an appeal for information, backed by a reward from the charity Crimestoppers.

Crimestoppers have put up a reward of up to £20,000 for information the charity exclusively receives that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Mark’s murder.

The 58-year-old was shot a number of times, at close range, inside his car near his home in Ardcarn Park on Thursday, December 1.

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Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “Mark was a husband and a father, and this callous murder has left a family bereft, and indeed an entire community in shock.

“It was a particularly ruthless execution. We believe those responsible planned and lay in wait for their victim before opening fire.

“The attack took place just after 6pm on Thursday 1 December. This was a time when people would have been coming home from work, and when families would have been out and about. Anyone – any child, neighbour or passer-by – could all too easily have been seriously injured or killed.

“I am appealing to anyone with information, or who may have captured dash cam footage, to come forward. And I’m highlighting a reward of up to £20,000 from Crimestoppers. The charity, who are independent of the police, is offering the reward for information it receives that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Mark’s murder.

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“I understand that people may be afraid to speak up, but please be assured that information can be given anonymously. Crimestoppers will never ask for or store any of your personal details.

Murder victim Mark Lovell. The 58-year-old was shot a number of times at close range, outside his home in the Ardcarn Park area of Newry shortly after 6pm last ThursdayMurder victim Mark Lovell. The 58-year-old was shot a number of times at close range, outside his home in the Ardcarn Park area of Newry shortly after 6pm last Thursday
Murder victim Mark Lovell. The 58-year-old was shot a number of times at close range, outside his home in the Ardcarn Park area of Newry shortly after 6pm last Thursday

“Contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. There is no caller line display, no 1471 facility and computer IP addresses are never traced or provided to detectives.”

Police have previously said Mr Lovell may have been murdered as part of cross-border criminal gang drugs feud.

At the weekend, Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “Mark Lovell was a much-loved husband and father and was cruelly and callously gunned down as he drove towards his own home in the early evening.”

He added: “Our murder investigation continues apace and we are working to establish a definitive motive for the killing.”