PSNI arrest third man over journalist murder

Another man has been arrested in connection with the murder of journalist Martin O’Hagan, police said today.

Mr O’Hagan’s killing, in Lurgan, Co Armagh, seven years ago was claimed by loyalists. Two men were charged yesterday with the murder.

A 30-year-old suspect was detained in the Mourneview estate, Lurgan, by detectives and is being questioned at Antrim serious crime suite.

Another man aged 35, arrested earlier this month as part of the same investigation, was released pending reports to prosecutors.

Mr O’Hagan, 51, was shot dead as he walked home with his wife from a pub in Lurgan in 2001.

The murder was claimed by the Red Hand Defenders, a cover name used by the Loyalist Volunteer Force and the Ulster Defence Association.

Mr O’Hagan worked for the Sunday World newspaper and had built a reputation for breaking paramilitary and drug-dealing stories.