Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CAR CLUES IN SEARCH FOR KILLER
Cops believe driver linked to ‘murder’
POLICE have released a new image of a man driving a car they believe was involved in the alleged murder of Malcolm Mckeown.
The 54-year-old was shot dead at close range at a petrol station in Waringstown, Co Down, on August 19.
Officers investigating the father-ofthree’s murder have today issued a new photo and have appealed to people who may have witnessed the car involved being set alight to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “In every murder there are people involved in the planning, targeting, supplying weapons, transporting the weapons away from the scene and the clean-up operation.
“I have released a photograph of a man who appears to be wearing a baseball cap, as he drives into Dewarts Garage shortly before the murder at around 7.19pm.
“Mr Mckeown was shot up to six times just minutes after he left the shop at the petrol station and I suspect that two guns were used during the attack.
“His body was found in his car at the side of the garage at around 9pm.
“I believe the gunmen were alerted to Mr Mckeown’s movements that night and they likely had knowledge he would be at the petrol station at that time.
“The gunmen travelled in a blue VW Passat, reg RK62 PLX. It was first seen entering Dewarts
Garage at 6.23pm. I believe the gunmen waited in it at the back of the filling station for around 56 minutes before shooting Mr Mckeown.
“CCTV shows the vehicle leaving Dewarts Garage at 7.19pm.
“I would still like to hear from anyone who saw the car, or the people inside the Passat during these times. Were you at the garage, or were you driving in the area and have dash cam footage?”
DCI Montgomery has also urged anyone who saw the car being set alight in Lurgan to come foward.
He said: “The car was later found burnt out on the Glenavon Lane at approximately 7.26pm. Did you see the occupants get out of it and set it on fire? If so, do you know where they went?
“There was football training and trials ongoing nearby so there may be parents who saw the Passat being set on fire.
“I am also still interested in tracing a grey Volkswagen Golf S seen in the Greenhill Park area of Lurgan between 5pm and 7.30pm on the Monday evening. This vehicle left Greenhill Park and drove on to Mourne Road.
“Did you see this car? Did you see where it went?
“I also wish to reassure the public if they have any information that it will be treated in the strictest confidence and for the purpose of my investigation I can guarantee them anonymity. “Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”