Murder of Ronan Kerr
Police Constable Ronan Kerr was a Police Service of Northern Ireland officer killed by a booby-trap car bomb planted outside his home on the 2 April 2011 in Killyclogher near Omagh.[1] Responsibility for the attack was later claimed by a dissident republican group claiming to be made of former members of the Provisional IRA.[2][3][4]
Kerr was Roman Catholic, a group which at the time constituted approximately 30% of PSNI officers (a proportion recruitment policies were trying to increase),[5] and was 25 at the time of his death. He was a member of a Gaelic Athletic Association club, the Beragh Red Knights. The guard of honour at Kerr's funeral was formed of club members and PSNI officers, a funeral also attended by the leaders of Ireland's four main churches.[6]
Reaction
His murder was condemned by almost all sections of Northern Irish politics and society as well as bringing international condemnation.[7][8] On 6 April a Peace Rally was organised in Belfast by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, which was reported to have been attended by up to 7000 persons.[9] Similar events were held in Omagh, Enniskillen, and London.[10]
BBC Ireland correspondent Mark Simpson commented, in relation to the unified response of the community, "A murder designed to divide people has actually brought them closer together."[6]
Graffiti praising the murder was daubed on walls in predominantly republican areas of Derry.[11]
Investigation
On 26 July 2011 five men were arrested in connection with the investigation. They were later released.[12]
On 26 November 2012, investigating detectives announced the arrest of a 22-year-old man in Milton Keynes.[13] On 27 November a 39-year-old man in County Tyrone was arrested and questioned.[4]
As of 2016 no persons have been charged with the murder.
See also
References
- ↑ Booby trap bomb kills policeman in Northern Ireland – 3 April 2011 – The Independent
- ↑ Peter Robinson condemns Ronan Kerr murder claim – 22 April 2011 – BBC News
- ↑ Former Provos claim Kerr murder and vow more attacks – 22 April 2011 – Belfast Telegraph
- 1 2 "Ronan Kerr investigation: Second arrest in latest searches". BBC. November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ↑ Northern Ireland’s McGuinness Says Dissidents are `Enemies' – 4 April 2011 – Bloomberg
- 1 2 Ronan Kerr's killers told: 'In God's name stop' – 6 April 2011 – BBC news
- ↑ Ronan Kerr murder: Omagh rally a 'message for peace' – BBC News, 10 April 2011
- ↑ Omagh bombing condemned across Northern Ireland – BBC News, 3 April 2011
- ↑ Peace rally held after Pc murder – 6 April 2011 – Belfast Telegraph
- ↑ Thousands Back 'Not In My Name' Rally – 11 April 2011 – 4ni.co.uk
- ↑ "Ronan Kerr murder: Graffiti lauding bomb 'disgusting'". BBC. April 5, 2012. Retrieved December 2, 2012.
- ↑ "Timeline of dissident republican activity". BBC News. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 18 October 2013.
- ↑ "Ronan Kerr murder: Arrest of man in Milton Keynes". BBC. November 26, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2012.