Father kicked to death by sectarian mob

NINE people have been arrested after a Catholic man was kicked to death by a sectarian mob in the North.

The suspects were detained in Coleraine, Co Derry, as part of the hunt for the killers of Kevin McDaid, 49. The Catholic father of four was kicked to death, according to neighbours, as he was looking for his sons in case they were caught up in post-football match violence.

Kevin McDaid, 49, a community worker dedicated to bringing both sides in his hometown of Coleraine, Co Derry, together was “brutally beaten” by a 40-strong gang following Celtic and Rangers matches which decided the Scottish Premier League, police said.

Celtic scarves were tied on railings and flowers left close to the scene of the savage attack.

His wife Evelyn was also targeted and sustained bruising and cuts to the head, while another man is battling for life in hospital.

Mr McDaid’s son Ryan, 22, said: “My father was well-loved. He was a 100% father.”

A neighbour said: “They kicked him as he lay on the ground, they are just scum.”

Some residents claimed he was trying to intervene to prevent another assault, others said he was out looking for his children, Ryan, Mark and Lee.

Damien Fleming, 46, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries after being assaulted in nearby Pates Lane during the disturbances. He is understood to have been targeted by a gang which arrived in cars from outside the area.

Police are treating the incident as attempted murder but warned it could yet be a double killing.

Rangers beat Dundee United 3-0 yesterday to take the Scottish Premier League from Glasgow rivals Celtic.

Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor confirmed the motive was sectarianism and said the victim was well-known and well-liked.

He said Mr McDaid worked with the police to try to improve the area. “He has been described to me as a man who would do anything for anybody,” he said. He appealed for people to bring any information to police.

Nationalist SDLP Assembly member John Dallat said: “This is the second time that this kind of lynching mob has been involved in Coleraine.

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also condemned the attacks.