Police appeal for calm as nine men arrested
DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Catholic man Kevin McDaid are treating the killing as “sectarian”.
The 49-year-old plasterer died on Sunday evening after being attacked at Somerset Drive around 9.30pm.
Mr McDaid’s wife Evelyn was also said to have been injured in the attack. Another man, Damian Fleming, remains critically ill in hospital following the attack.
His son Brendan said today that his father had a broken jaw, two fractured cheekbones and 24 staples in his head.
Police have so far arrested nine people in connection with inquiries and more arrests are expected.
Yesterday police admitted that speculation about a row over flags being erected and taken down is being examined as one line of enquiry into what happened.
Other speculation surrounds reports of a 30-strong gang of Loyalists travelling from another part of the town to the Heights area after Rangers FC won the Scottish premier league title on Sunday.
Speaking to media at a press conference at Pates Lane on Monday afternoon, Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor said that while police remained open minded about the investigation: “The principal motive is sectarian”.
“Police had been in this part of the town during the evening and were already dealing with an outbreak of disorder in the Somerset Drive area when the assault on Mr McDaid occurred.
“A neighbourhood Sergeant rendered first aid to the injured man before an ambulance arrived at the scene. A second man who was also assaulted, remains critically ill in hospital and we are treating this incident as attempted murder.”
“Mr. Kevin McDaid was a 49 years old father of four, in a mixed marriage, and has been described as a man who would do anything for anyone.
“He was also a voluntary youth worker and worked tirelessly for the local community, recently taking groups of Roman Catholic and Protestant children on a joint fishing trip. He also worked closely with Neighbourhood Police officers, and other statutory agencies for the betterment of the Heights community.
“Police patrols have been increased across the town, and we would appeal for calm and for people not to retaliate. Kevin McDaid cannot speak for himself, but if he could he would be urging people to come forward to the police with information. Indeed we are encouraged by the good response we have had to our appeals for information.”
DCI Taylor said that local reports that the father-of-four’s attackers were part of a gang from Belfast were “not something that I’m aware of at this stage.”
“We believe that people came from another part of the town over here. This is a local crime.
“Events running up to what happened are under investigation and I don’t want to add to the rumour and speculation. I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward to the police.”
He said that Mr McDaid had been a voluntary youth worker who had worked in partnership with the PSNI and other statutory bodies to improve the Heights area.
He also called on local people not to add to already heightened tensions by circulating rumours and speculation.
“There was some trouble in Coleraine this afternoon (Monday) and I would appeal to people to remain calm,” sid DCI Taylor.
“Retaliation won’t help Kevin’s memory and he is not here to speak on his own behalf.
“There is a great deal of speculation in the town and a great deal of tension. Rumours are not helpful. if anyone has any information, they should come forward to the police.”
DCI Taylor also said that 46-year-old Damian Fleming, who was also attacked on Sunday night, remains critically ill in hospital.
“This is attempted murder and we may well be looking at a second murder here.”
Mr McDaid’s widow Evelyn, who is a Protestant was also injured in Sunday night’s attack.
“Physically Mrs McDaid is not too badly hurt but this was a massively traumatic incident for her. She is only just holding up,” he said.
DCI Taylor also admitted that police were actually in the Heights area when Mr McDaid was attacked.
“Police were here at the time of the attack and all aspects of the incident are being looked into,” he said.
Fears are also rising over the prospect of a band parade which is due to pass through the Waterside area on Friday night.
DCI Taylor said that Coleraine’s local District Commander would look closely at the parade.
Anyone who has any information regarding the murder or disorder in the Heights area on Sunday night is asked to contact the police at Coleraine.
