Kidnap couple thanking supporters

The McMullans placed the advertisement in their local paper

The County Down couple kidnapped in the Northern Bank robbery have made a public statement thanking the community for its support.

Kevin and Kyran McMullan, from Loughinisland, have placed an advertisement in this week's Mourne Observer newspaper.

In it they describe the events of 19 and 20 December 2004 as "horrendous".

The McMullans ask for continued support as well as "space and time" to come to terms with their ordeal.

They also publicly thank local SDLP MLA Margaret Ritchie and her party colleague Eddie McGrady MP.

This is the first public statement made by the couple outside court.

Ealier this month, the trial of the only man charged with the £26.5m Northern Bank robbery collapsed.

Chris Ward, 26, was found not guilty of facilitating the massive cash robbery at the Northern's Belfast headquarters.

'Grateful'

Part of the McMullans' statement read: "We are grateful to a number of professionals who have helped us in so many ways.

"Sincere thanks to the NI Ambulance Service and the doctors and nurses in the Downe A&E department who attended to Kyran immediately following her experience, PSNI, GPs, counsellors, a number of Newcastle businesses and our local SDLP MLA and MP.

"It is impossible to remember and thank everyone individually, but we hope this acknowledgement in some way shows our sincere appreciation."