Appeal over sheep farmer's murder

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Police have renewed their appeal for information over the murder of a County Londonderry sheep farmer.

Patrick Devine, who also worked as a nurse at Waterside Hospital, was found shot dead in his home at Strangawilly, near Claudy, on 13 September, 2004.

DCI Tom Woods said the murder was "brutal and calculated".

"Mr Devine was well known in the area, especially for his farming activities, and it is fair to say that some people resented his success," he said.

"There can, however, be no excuse for murder. Mr Devine's death devastated members of his family, his friends, and the patients he cared for in his work as a nurse.

"Our appeal at this, the second anniversary, is aimed towards anyone who saw strangers or unusual activity close to Mr Devine's home during the weekend before he was killed."

Earlier this year Mr Devine's family offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.

Offering the reward, Marie McDaid, Mr Devine's sister, said: "There is never a day goes by that we don't think of Patrick. His loss is immense and the hurt is something that we will never get over."