Murder victim's grave desecrated

David Caldwell died after picking up a box containing explosives

The family of a Londonderry man murdered by the Real IRA four years ago has said his grave has been desecrated.

David Caldwell, 51, from the Waterside area, died after he picked up a lunchbox containing explosives at Caw Territorial Army base in August 2002.

The father-of-four had just arrived for work at the Limavady Road premises when the explosion happened.

Mr Caldwell's partner Mavis McFall said since his death the family had been victims of a campaign of intimidation.

It has included the desecration of his grave as well as the deaths of four family pets - two lambs and two dogs.

"Why are people are so cruel? That's the question I keep asking. Why are people so cruel to people, cause I couldn't do it.

Mr Caldwell's grave has been desecrated

"I just want them to go and wise up. It's not sectarian, it's not paramilitaries and it's not strangers," Ms McFaul said.

"I just want them to stop and let the man rest in peace.

"The people that killed Davy are bad, but these boys are worse. These people are not thick, they are evil.

"It's bad enough the way he died but this is going on and on and on. It is just heartbreaking to see my wee girls suffering."

The police said they were investigating at least two incidents in the past six months. A motive is not known.