Father murdered by mob feared for sons' safety

A Catholic father-of-four kicked to death by sectarian thugs in the North was looking for his sons in case they were caught up in post-football match violence, neighbours claimed today.

Kevin McDaid, 49, a community worker dedicated to bringing both sides in his hometown of Coleraine, Co Derry, together was “brutally beaten” by a 40-strong gang following Celtic and Rangers matches which decided the Scottish Premier League, police said.

Celtic scarves were tied on railings and flowers left close to the scene of the savage attack.

His wife Evelyn, was also targeted and sustained bruising and cuts to the head, while another man is battling for life in hospital.

Mr McDaid’s son Ryan, 22, said: “My father was a well-known man. He never did anybody any harm.

“He was well-loved. He was a 100% father.”

The former plasterer and youth worker worked closely with the police. Flags had been recently removed from the area, Somerset Drive, a mainly Catholic estate, police said.

A neighbour said: “They kicked him as he lay on the ground, they are just scum.”

Some residents claimed he was trying to intervene to prevent another assault, others said he was out looking for his children, Ryan, Mark and Lee.

Damien Fleming, 46, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries after being assaulted in nearby Pates Lane during the disturbances. He is understood to have been targeted by a gang which arrived in cars from outside the area. Police are treating the incident as attempted murder but warned it could yet be a double killing.

Rangers beat Dundee United 3-0 yesterday to take the Scottish Premier League from Glasgow rivals Celtic.

Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor confirmed the motive was sectarianism and said the victim was well-known and well-liked.

He added that Mr McDaid worked very closely with the police to try to improve the area.

“He has been described to me as a man who would do anything for anybody,” he said.

He appealed for no retaliation but for people to bring any information to police.

Police were in the area at the time responding to disturbances.

Democratic Unionist Party MP Gregory Campbell said there had been anti-social behaviour in the past and appealed for anybody with information to go to the police.

Sinn Féin deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness also condemned the attacks.

“Despite the enormous progress we have made over the recent past, sectarian hatred continues to blight many areas and loyalist paramilitaries continue to orchestrate sectarian violence,” he said.

“We need to see clear and unequivocal condemnation of this sectarian murder from the political leaders of unionism from across the spectrum.

“Politicians must lead by example and, through a clear commitment to a future based on partnership and equality, demonstrate that sectarianism and bigotry have no place in our society.”