Mayor condemns Coleraine shooting

The murder of a man on a loyalist housing estate in Northern Ireland was a morally reprehensible act which should be condemned widely, the nationalist mayor of Coleraine claimed today.

SDLP Mayor John Dallat, who became the borough’s first nationalist Mayor this week, led condemnation of the shooting which occurred in the victim’s home last night at around 10.30pm.

A gang forced their way into the house in Loughanhill Park on the Ballysally estate and gunned down the victim, who is believed to be a Catholic.

It is understood the house was targeted recently in a pipe bomb attack.

However, local sources and police were reluctant to ascribe any particular motive for the killing.

The man died on arrival at hospital.

The gunmen made their getaway in a Renault car, which was later found abandoned and on fire a short distance away, a police spokesman said.

Superintendent John Bustard said: ‘‘I utterly condemn those who carried out this brutal murder and am urging the public to assist us in our investigation.’’

His condemnation was echoed by Mr Dallat, who is also a Stormont Assembly member for the area.

The East Derry MLA said: ‘‘This incident will come as terrible blow for Coleraine. It is not good for this town which could have done without it for all sorts of reasons and my sympathies go with the victim’s family.

‘‘Whatever the motive, the people behind it should be aware that everyone has a basic right to live.

‘‘It is morally reprehensible that someone should act in this way as judge, jury and executioner. I hope those responsible will be caught.’’