Father murdered after abduction by gang

A 35-year-old father of two was found murdered today after a gang of men abducted him from his Co Armagh home.

The man and his wife had returned to their bungalow in the Aghory area of Richill in the early hours of this morning when they were confronted by four masked men, one armed with handgun.

The couple were tied up as the gang demanded money. He was then bundled into the family car.

Shortly before 11am, a member of the public spotted a body inside a car on the Cornascreeb Road, two miles from the scene of the abduction.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by a doctor.

Police have said there was nothing to suggest a paramilitary or sectarian link to the killing.

The family are believed to have moved into Armagh recently from Co Antrim. The dead man is believed to have been an engineer.

District Commander Supt Bob Moore said no motive had yet been established for the murder but all lines of inquiry would be investigated.

“This murder is all the more tragic because the man is the father of two young children aged 12 and eight and today is Father’s Day.”

DUP Assembly member for the area Paul Berry condemned the murder and appealed to anyone with information to contact the police.

“This is a very worrying and sinister situation. It must be condemned by all right thinking people,” he added.

UUP Assembly member Danny Kennedy said: “I would strongly condemn the taking of life and await with interest police investigations.”