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Appeal made in Stephen Carroll murder case

Stephen Carroll - Killed a year ago
Stephen Carroll - Killed a year ago

Police in Northern Ireland investigating the murder of a colleague shot a year ago by dissident republicans have made a fresh appeal for help to trace those responsible.

On the first anniversary of the murder of Constable Stephen Carroll, detectives said they believed some witnesses had yet to come forward.

Constable Carroll was shot by the Continuity IRA as he answered a call for help in Craigavon, Co Armagh.

His death came two days after the Real IRA shot dead two British soldiers in Antrim.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness said: ‘I believe that there are a number of people in the Craigavon area who saw what happened to Stephen, and saw who killed him.

'These people have yet to come forward and talk to police.'

Widow backs devolution deal

Meanwhile, Kate Carroll, widow of the murdered officer, has made a plea to politicians to back the devolution deal to secure the power-sharing government.

The Northern Ireland Assembly is due to vote this afternoon on the devolution of policing and justice powers from Westminster.

However the UUP says they will be voting against the proposals.

Kate Carroll said all parties should back the plan.

In a surprise call to the BBC Radio Ulster Nolan show, she said: 'This morning has been very, very hard for me, and I would just ask everyone in Stormont to please get on with their job.'

Mrs Carroll said: 'I am pleading on this day that is so important to me that it's not worth it. Life is too short. It is heartbreaking that I have to get on this morning to please ask the politicians to get on with their job.'