RUC probes drugs link to Derry murder

The RUC is investigating the possibility that last night's murder in Derry was linked with drugs.

The 37-year-old victim was shot four times in the stomach at his home in Milldale Crescent in the Waterside area of the city.

According to local sources, he was heavily involved in the drugs trade.

An RUC spokesman has confirmed that three or four masked men, one of whom was carrying a long-barrelled weapon, were involved in the murder.

Detectives have appealed for information about a four-door saloon car that was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the shooting.

William Hay, the local Democratic Unionist Assemblyman, said: "Irrespective of the motives people may give for carrying out this murder, it has to be condemned.

"Nobody has the right to decide who should live or die." He said people in the area are shocked at this latest atrocity.

"They thought that we had all moved on and we would not be seeing this type of thing again.

"Quite obviously there are people out there who feel they are judge, jury and executioner."