Four freed after murder quiz

Four men held for questioning about the murder of a nationalist councillor in Northern Ireland more than 30 years ago have been freed without charge, police confirmed today.

They were held at Antrim for interview by detectives investigating the murder of Patrick Kelly, 33, who was shot dead in July 1974 and his body then dumped in a lake.

Two men were released yesterday and another two last night.

Sources close to the investigation said some, if not all four men, were former soldiers in the Ulster Defence Regiment.

Relatives of the victim claim the UDR was involved in the murder when Mr Kelly was shot dead after locking up his bar in the village of Trillick, Co Tyrone.

His car was found burned-out and three weeks later his body was discovered in a lake 10 miles away.

Police said today that files on two of the men questioned would be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

It was understood that it was unrelated to the murder but in connection with other offences committed 30 years ago.