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

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