Irishman knew killer through Warcraft

AN IRISHMAN has revealed how he was in online contact with the Norwegian mass-killer Anders Behring Breivik every day for the past four years.

Frank, who befriended Breivik through the online roleplaying game World of Warcraft, said killing was the aim of the game and that the skills Breivik used when playing seemed to have translated into his Oslo attack.

“He went about the game in a very cold, calm and collected manner, in the same way he went about the attacks. Like they weren’t even people, just a quest.”

The Irishman told how the Norwegian’s character was tactical and he always kept a cool head.

“He had great co-ordination and organisational skills. Everything was well thought out.”

Frank revealed that Breivik was inquisitive about the IRA and how it operated in Ireland.

“He asked about politics in Ireland, the government and the IRA involvement. I don’t personally have an interest in politics but he was curious,” he said.

Frank started playing the game seven years ago and when Breivik started three years later they formed a friendship and would converse every night though video calls.

Frank formed close friendships with six gamers, and the Norweigian who killed 77 people in bombing and shooting attacks was one of them.

“I spoke with Breivik and some other players every night so you get to know them and become friends.”

World of Warcraft has about 11.4 million subscribers around the world.

Frank told the Ray D’Arcy Show on Today FM that Breivik also spoke about a publication he was writing and how he had to spend time on it every night. Frank has since realised the writing was the 1,500-page manifesto entitled “2083: A European Declaration of Independence”.

Frank received a phonecall from a mutual friend on the day of his father’s 70th birthday to turn on the television. At first he thought it was a joke.

“Seeing a former friend’s picture all over the media was a surreal experience and quite shocking. I didn’t see it coming. I had no idea he was capable of such a crime.”

Frank said that Anders was never flamboyant or trying to gain attention. He always remained cool and was very interested in writing and politics.