Man held by McCartney murder probe police

Police in the North were today questioning a man in connection with the murder of a man in a Belfast pub brawl.

Robert McCartney, 33, from the Mountpottinger Road area of east Belfast, was battered and stabbed to death after a bar fight which was witnessed by more than 100 people.

His family claims the IRA has intimidated witnesses to prevent police identifying the killers.

The arrest came as the Provisionals moved to distance the organisation from the gang behind the slaying.

But in a statement the IRA said it was not involved in what it described as a brutal killing.

Significantly, it added: “Those who were involved must take responsibility for their own actions, which run contrary to republican ideals.”

A top IRA man is one of the chief suspects linked to the murder of Mr McCartney.

He was was one of seven people questioned by police soon after the murder two weeks ago and later released. As the furore over the attack deepened, the IRA spoke out against any attempts to gag witnesses.

The statement added: “We wish to extend our sympathy to the McCartney family for the loss of Robert and for the grief that they are suffering.

“The IRA was not involved in the brutal killing of Robert McCartney.

“It has been reported that people are being intimidated or prevented from assisting the McCartney family in their search for truth and justice.

“We wish to make it absolutely clear that no-one should hinder or impede the McCartney family in their search for truth and justice. Anyone who can help the family in this should do so.”