Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Father of two David Black. PSNI
appeal

Police renew appeal one year on from David Black murder

The 52-year-old prison officer was shot dead on this day last year.

DETECTIVES IN NORTHERN Ireland investigating the murder of prison officer David Black are making a specific appeal to people in Lurgan and Cookstown on the first anniversary of the man’s shooting.

the 52-year-old father of two was driving from his Cookstown home to work at Maghaberry prison at 7.30am on Thursday 1 November last year in his black Audi A4 car along the M1 motorway between Portadown (Junction 11) and Lurgan (Junction 10).

One mile from the Oxford Island exit ramp, a dark blue Toyota Camry car with a Republic of Ireland registration, 94 D 50997, pulled alongside and a number of shots were fired, fatally injuring the man. The Toyota Camry was found burnt out in the Inglewood district of Lurgan a short time later at 7.50am.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness appealed for information:

Today is a particularly difficult day for David’s wife Yvonne and their children Kyle and Kyra. They have endured a degree of suffering and loss over the past year which most of us cannot imagine.

“While we will continue with our inquiries, I would ask the communities in Lurgan and Cookstown to think again about what they know and provide the information which can help bring David’s killers before the courts,” he said.

The dark blue Toyota Camry was in Lurgan prior to the shooting on the evening of 31 October and was set on fire about 20 minutes after David’s murder a few miles from the M1 at Inglewood on the morning of 1 November. A number of men were seen running away from the Toyota Camry car.

imageA similar Toyota Camry car to the one used on the day of the shooting (Image: PSNI).

To date Serious Crime Branch detectives have made seven arrests, conducted 12 searches and completed more than 3,000 lines of inquiry. Two men, one in Northern Ireland and one in the Republic, currently face charges linked to the purchase and movement of the Toyota Camry.

Harkness said there is a reward of up to £10,000 available from Crimestoppers for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

“I would also appeal to people in Cookstown to think about what they saw in the days and weeks before David’s murder last year,” he said. “Did you see any unusual activity around David’s home or the places he frequented? If you have any information, please contact us.”

Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or members of the public can speak directly to police by phoning the Special Incident Room on 028 3831 5291.

Related: Man due in court in connection with the murder of David Black>

Read: Two more arrests in Dublin over David Black death>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
6
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.