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Eamon Collins murder: Two men arrested in Newry | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Detectives investigating the murder of former IRA man Eamon Collins 15 years ago have arrested two men. | |
The pair, aged 42 and 55, were arrested in Newry, County Down on Thursday. | |
Mr Collins, 45, was found beaten and stabbed to death on 27 January 1999. Police believe he may also have been deliberately struck by a car. | Mr Collins, 45, was found beaten and stabbed to death on 27 January 1999. Police believe he may also have been deliberately struck by a car. |
His body was found at Dorans Hill, a country road a short distance from his home in the Barcroft estate in Newry. | His body was found at Dorans Hill, a country road a short distance from his home in the Barcroft estate in Newry. |
Det Ch Insp Peter Montgomery said: "I would ask those with information about Mr Collins' murder, particularly those in the Barcroft estate, to think again about the awfulness of what happened and about the Collins family. | Det Ch Insp Peter Montgomery said: "I would ask those with information about Mr Collins' murder, particularly those in the Barcroft estate, to think again about the awfulness of what happened and about the Collins family. |
"It is never too late to come forward." | "It is never too late to come forward." |
In January of this year, police said they had DNA obtained from the murder scene. | In January of this year, police said they had DNA obtained from the murder scene. |
Supergrass | Supergrass |
While in the IRA, Mr Collins collected information on police officers and Royal Ulster Constabulary special branch members and set up assassinations over a six-year period. | While in the IRA, Mr Collins collected information on police officers and Royal Ulster Constabulary special branch members and set up assassinations over a six-year period. |
Although he never directly shot anyone, he provided information and recruited members. | Although he never directly shot anyone, he provided information and recruited members. |
He was arrested in 1985 and charged with 50 terrorist offences including five murders and membership of the IRA. | He was arrested in 1985 and charged with 50 terrorist offences including five murders and membership of the IRA. |
After his arrest, however, he turned supergrass, the term used for those prepared to give evidence against former colleagues. | After his arrest, however, he turned supergrass, the term used for those prepared to give evidence against former colleagues. |
More than 40 suspects were arrested, but most were released after Mr Collins had a change of heart. | More than 40 suspects were arrested, but most were released after Mr Collins had a change of heart. |
He walked free from Belfast Crown Court after the judge dismissed his alleged confessions. | He walked free from Belfast Crown Court after the judge dismissed his alleged confessions. |
He later wrote a book, Killing Rage, which was highly critical of the IRA. | He later wrote a book, Killing Rage, which was highly critical of the IRA. |