Two questioned in connection with nightclub murder

Two men were tonight being questioned about the brutal murder of a man attacked outside a Co Antrim nightclub four years ago.

Stephen Nelson was kicked and punched by a 10-man gang while working at the club in the Chimney Corner Hotel at Newtownabbey.

The 55-year-old fell into a coma and died six months later without ever regaining consciousness.

After the arrests police appealed for people who knew who was responsible but were too afraid of reprisals to speak out to have the courage to do so.

Police at the time of the attack said it was carried out by a gang of UDA men - there was speculation Mr Nelson had tried to stop members of the paramilitary group selling drugs in the nightclub.

Numerous people were arrested and questioned about the murder in the months after his death, but no-one has been charged.

Early today a 26-year-old man was arrested in the Newtownabbey area and taken to the Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning. A few hours later a 29-year-old was detained in the same area and taken for questioning.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway said it had been a brutal attack on Mr Nelson and there were people in the community who knew who was responsible but could be too afraid to come forward.

He said this Thursday, September 19, 2008 would be the anniversary of the savage attack.

“Police so far have spoken to a considerable number of people who attended a disco on the night. But it is possible that someone knows who did this, and because of fear of reprisals, they are afraid to talk to us.

“We need these people to come forward. They could have the information we need to put the perpetrators before the courts.”