McCartneys consider civil action

THE family of Robert McCartney yesterday indicated they could launch an appeal to raise funds for a civil action against his killers.

Mr McCartney's sister Catherine said the family was still hopeful that his killers will face criminal charges. But she acknowledged that the unwillingness of witnesses to speak about what they know has forced the family to consider the civil option.

Mr McCartney, a 30-year-old father of two, was stabbed and beaten outside a Belfast city centre bar on January 30. His friend Brendan Devine was also seriously wounded following a row with republicans. The murder has placed the republican movement under intense pressure.