A MAN HAS been arrested in connection with the murder of Eamon Collins, an IRA ‘supergrass’, in 1999.

Collins was murdered while out walking his dogs in Newry.

Collins was an IRA member who became a member of Sinn Féin at one point. He was arrested twice in the 1980s and went on to become a so-called ‘supergrass’ and cooperated with the gardaí to pass on information about the IRA.

However he retracted his evidence and was then charged with murder and attempted murder.

He was acquitted due to lack of evidence and then moved to the Republic of Ireland.

He later co-authored an exposé of the IRA.

Collins was knocked down, beaten and stabbed while out walking his dogs on 27 January 1999 in the Dorans Hill area of the city.

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch investigating the murder of Collins arrested a 56-year-old man in the County Armagh area this morning.

The suspect was taken to Antrim police station for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said:

I continue to 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.

Anyone with information can contact detectives on 02890 700 727 or 07585 228 283.

Alternatively, people who do not want to provide their personal details can phone the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.