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John Street in Omagh where the initial assault on Jason McGovern took place (File photo) Google Streetview
Northern Ireland

Two arrested in connection with Jason McGovern murder

The men are currently helping police with their enquiries.

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have arrested two young men in connection with the murder of Jason McGovern late last year.

The men, aged 18 and 21, were detained in the Omagh area this morning by detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch. They are currently helping police with their inquiries.

Five men, aged between 17 and 21, have already appeared in court in connection with the death of the 19-year-old. And a 21-year-old woman has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

Jason McGovern’s body was discovered at a friend’s house in his native Emyvale at about 11am on 31 December 2012. While on a night out in Omagh the evening previous, he had been attacked twice. Despite the assaults, he made his way back to Monaghan, where he later died from head injuries.

Police believe the student encountered a group of men outside the Terrace Bar on John Street in Omagh in the early hours of 31 December and a verbal exchange took place. Punches were thrown and the victim was hit several times in the head and upper body.

He and a friend walked towards a nearby taxi but were followed by several people from the original group. Jason McGovern was struck again in the face and collapsed to the ground.

A post mortem examination determined that the victim died from a serious head injury sustained in the assaults.

Comments on this article have been disabled as court proceedings have started.