Two held in connection with nightclubber's death

PSNI murder squad detectives are now questioning two men in connection with a mob beating that led to a hit and run killing in the North.

The victim, a Scotsman in his 30s, died after being struck by a car near Tobermore, Co Derry.

He had just been attacked outside a nightclub, and police believe the thugs involved shoved him in front of the oncoming vehicle on purpose.

It is believed the driver stopped after the collision early on Saturday morning, but took off again when they saw the size of the crowd.

The row flared outside Tobermore Football Club, where a disco had been organised following an earlier Orange Order march two miles away in Maghera.

The murder victim, who was visiting friends and relatives in the North, may have attended the parade.

As police confirmed they had launched a murder probe, one man was arrested. A second suspect was held later.

Officers also carried out earlier searches at a number of houses in the King William III estate in Maghera. These are believed to be connected to the investigation.

The driver was also urged to come forward in a bid to identify the killers.

Police said a red car with a passenger on board may have been involved.

A spokesman said: “Police urgently need to speak to the driver of the vehicle which struck the man as he or she may hold important witness information about the assault.”

Detectives do not suspect any sectarian motive for the attack.

Sinn Féin's Martin McGuinness was appalled by the killing.

“This is an horrific death,” he said. “It appears that this man was very badly beaten and sustained serious injures before being deliberately left on the road and hit by a motorist.

“No matter who this man is he was someone’s son, brother or father and his family will be mourning his loss.

“I am also sure that the motorist is traumatised by this.”