Singer and musician Stephen Martin with his blue Fender which was stolen by thieves from his Derry flat
THE heartbroken family of the late musician Stevie Martin have appealed for burglars to return instruments stolen from his Derry flat where he penned lyrics and composed his music.
The body of the Lifford artist was found on a beach in Co Sligo almost a fortnight ago – around three weeks since he was last seen alive.
And while Gardai, the PSNI, air, land and sea searches were being carried out, heartless thieves ransacked Stevie’s flat in Derry’s Great James Street, making of with his keyboard, guitar and amp among other things.
Stevie’s brother Sean Martin told UTV hat the instruments are priceless to the family.
“It came at the worst time possible,” Sean told reporter Mark McFadden.
“At the time the burglary happened we were still hopeful that Stevie was going to be returned to us safely and it was an ongoing investigation.
“And then to be given this news that his flat had been ransacked and these precious items were stolen was devastating.
“There is five confirmed pieces of equipment, including the blue Fender guitar.
“We war not thinking about price or cost. These items are priceless to us. They are physical reminders to us of Stevie.
“We are lucky that we have so many memories – we have his music, we have his videso, countless photographs to remember Stevie by.
“But to have something like a guitar, it is almost like a prize. It would be precious to us,” added a devastated Sean.
The PSNI in Derry are continuing to appeal to anyone who has information about the burglary or has been offered any of Stevie’s items for sale to contact officers on the 101 number.
Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Stevie Martin’s keyboard stolen from his Great James Street home in Derry, say police