Nine arrested after sectarian mob of 40 kick man to death

Published on Monday 25 May 2009 22:16

NINE men were arrested last night after a Catholic man was kicked to death by a sectarian mob in Northern Ireland.

The suspects were detained in Coleraine, County Londonderry, as part of the hunt for the killers of Kevin McDaid, 49.

The father of four was targeted by a gang of up to 40 as he went to look for his children following matches involving Rangers and Celtic.

His wife, Evelyn, and another man were injured. She suffered bruising and cuts to the head, while the other man was fighting for his life in hospital last night.

Mr McDaid's son Ryan, 22, said: "My father never did anybody any harm. He was well-loved. He was a 100 per cent father."

A neighbour said: "They kicked him as he lay on the ground. They are just scum."

Residents claimed the former plasterer and youth worker was trying to intervene to prevent another assault. Others said he was out looking for his children, Ryan, Mark and Lee.

Damien Fleming, 46, was also taken to hospital with serious injuries after being assaulted nearby. He is understood to have been targeted by a gang which arrived in cars from outside the area.

Police are treating the incident as attempted murder, but they warned it could yet be a double killing.

Rangers beat Dundee United 3-0 on Sunday to take the Scottish Premier League title from Celtic.

Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor confirmed that the motive was sectarianism.

"Mr Kevin McDaid was a 49-year-old father of four, in a mixed marriage, and has been described as a man who would do anything for anyone," DCI Taylor said.

"He was also a voluntary youth worker and worked tirelessly for the local community, recently taking groups of Roman Catholic and Protestant children on a joint fishing trip.

"He also worked closely with neighbourhood police officers and other statutory agencies for the betterment of the Heights community."

Mr Taylor said a dispute over tricolour flags removed from the area shortly before may have contributed to the violence.

Northern Ireland security minister Paul Goggins said: "I totally condemn the horrific murder of Kevin McDaid.

"Sectarianism has no place in Northern Ireland."