Ombudsman investigating PSNI tip-off allegation

The Police Ombudsman in the North is investigating allegations that a police officer sent a text message to loyalists in Coleraine prior to the murder of Kevin McDaid almost two weeks ago.

There has been persistent speculation in the Co Derry town about dialogue between police and loyalists in the hours before the Catholic community worker was beaten to death by a mob of Rangers fans.

Some local people claim loyalists were tipped off by the PSNI that Irish tricolours were being put on lamp-posts in the area where Mr McDaid lived, prompting the mob incursion.

The chief constable and the Northern Secretary have denied the claim, but the Ombudsman is to investigate further.

In a separate development, a 34-year-old man is due in court in Coleraine today charged with the attempted murder of Damien Fleming, who remains critically ill in hospital after also being beaten by the loyalist mob.