Murder linked to dissident falling-out

A MAN shot and killed in the North may have been the victim of a falling-out between dissident republicans.

Martin Conlon, aged 35, was hit several times in the head and dumped near the village of Keady in Co Armagh. He died in hospital several hours later.

Mr Conlon, who came from Armagh city, served a prison term in the Republic where he had been convicted of training people in the use of firearms. He was also known to the PSNI.

The PSNI are expected to make a statement on the murder later, but it is believed detectives are working on the theory that he was killed by dissident republicans who were one-time associates.

Mr Conlon was discovered unconscious on the Farnaloy Road, near the Madden housing estate, between Keady and Armagh city last night. His car was one of two vehicles later examined by forensic experts.

SDLP councillor Gerald Mallon said: “This was a horrific murder. No family should ever have to face what his family are facing.”

Sinn Féin MP Conor Murphy also condemned the killing. “There is some suspicions locally that one of the dissident micro organisations may well have been involved in this killing,” he confirmed.

Meanwhile, a 25-year-old man was being questioned by police about the double murder of two teenagers.

He was arrested in Hillsborough, Co Down, by police investigating the stabbing of Andrew Robb, 19, and David McIlwaine, 18, in Tandragee, Co Armagh, in February 2000.

Another 25-year-old man arrested yesterday in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, is still being questioned.