Murder probes launched

TWO men murdered in separate attacks in Derry may have been beaten to death after fights broke out during drinking bouts, it emerged yesterday.

Paul Cross, 39, was found dead at his bungalow in Bishops Street, Ardfoyle, early yesterday. Friends revealed Mr Cross had never recovered from losing his elder brother Leonard to a liver-related illness last year.

“Before Lenny died Paul would have been your typical Saturday night drinker,” one said.

“But that really took him off the rails and now it’s a huge tragedy for the family. They have to bury two brothers inside a year.”

Mr Cross had only moved into his home within the last month. As detectives questioned two men about his murder, forensic experts were combing the house for clues.

Earlier this year the victim was attacked by youths.

It is understood serious charges have been filed against a number of those suspected of the beating.

Meanwhile, police launched a second murder investigation hours later after the body of Bernard Parkes, 37, was discovered at his home in Campion Park in the Gobnascale area.

Mr Parkes lived alone, but neighbours described him as a quiet man who kept out of trouble.

Three men were being questioned about his murder, which was also thought to have been linked to an alcohol-fuelled dispute.

Sinn Féin councillor Lynn Fleming, who knew the victim, insisted he was not the type to court trouble. She said: “I know by his character that he wouldn’t have done anything that would have provoked this assault.”