The people of Derry are this morning being given the opportunity to “express their disgust” at yesterday’s murder of Barry McCrory.
The 35-year-old was shot by a lone gunman in his partner’s flat in Shipquay Street shortly before 11.00am.
The killing has been widely condemned and the city’s business leaders and politicians are encouraging the people of city to attend a city centre rally to be held in Guildhall Square at 11.00am this morning during which a two minutes silence will be head.
SDLP MLA Pat Ramsey, who was in the vicinity of the shooting and heard the shots, said the rally would send out a “strong clear message” to the perpetrators that “violent murder is not acceptable in our city.”
He added: “At the scene of the shooting, business owners and politicians discussed giving the people of Derry a voice to express their disgust at those who are bent on destroying our unity of purpose. We also want to express our sympathies to the family of the man who has been killed.”
The killing came less than 24 hours after the murder in Belfast of Kevin Kearney whose body was found in a lake after he was shot.
PSNI Chief Constable Matt Baggott assured the families and members of the public that police would do everything possible to bring those responsible to justice.
He said: “There are two major investigation teams currently working on these murders. The most important thing is for people to put their trust in the police and provide any information that will help us to catch the killers.
He concluded: “I would ask anyone who has any information to contact Police at either Musgrave or Strand Road on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Mayor of Derry Cllr Martin Reilly described the murder as a “cowardly act of violence.”
Urging anyone with information to contact the PSNI, Cllr Reilly said the people of Derry had rejected violence and there was not support for murder in the local community.
He added: “This is a despicable act that must be condemned by every right thinking person. To gun a man down in daylight in the city centre is a horrendous act and my sincere condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”
Cllr Reilly concluded: “It’s a tragic loss of life and an attack on the entire community in Derry who are working so hard to put the evils of the past behind and to move towards a peaceful future for all generations.”
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