Three released in murder probe

Darren Thompson died of his injuries

Three people being questioned in connection with the murder of Darren Thompson in Londonderry have been released.

The two men and a woman were released without charge, police said on Sunday.

Mr Thompson, from Harkness Gardens, was shot in the head in the Waterside area of the city on Wednesday morning.

The 22-year-old died in hospital on Friday.

Mr Thompson was found lying at the roadside in Woodburn Park with a bullet wound in the head.

It is believed he was attacked as he walked to work.

'Broken-hearted family'

The Church of Ireland Bishop of Derry and Raphoe added his voice to appeals for calm and restraint following the murder.

Speaking on Saturday, the Right Reverend Ken Good said the murder was an outrage, but urged that there should no retaliation.

"Darren's tragic death has brought untold anguish and agony to his broken-hearted family," he said.

"In their grief, Darren's parents add their voices to mine in urging that any thought of retaliation for his death must not be even considered."

On Friday, the estate was at the centre of a security alert after suspicious objects were uncovered during a search.

Police said the items found included coffee jar bombs, blast bombs, incendiary devices and pipes suitable for manufacturing pipe bombs.

A group is to be set up to help ease tensions among loyalists in the Waterside area following the fatal shooting of Mr Thompson.

Meanwhile, a 38-year-old Londonderry man is due in the city's magistrates court on Monday charged with attempted murder and terrorism offences.

He is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, having and making pipe, blast and incendiary devices, collecting information and having records of use to terrorists.

It is understood the attempted murder charge relates to an incident in Church Brae on 18 September this year.

The other charges relate to searches in the Lincoln Courts area last week.