Man in court over police murder

Brendan McConville has been charged with the murder of Constable Carroll

A former Sinn Féin councillor has appeared in court charged with the murder of Constable Stephen Carroll.

Constable Carroll was shot dead as he answered a distress call in Craigavon.

Brendan McConville, 37, of Glenholme Avenue, Lurgan, who denies the shooting, was also charged with having a rifle and 26 rounds of ammunition.

Also on Wednesday, a 21-year-old man was arrested and subsequently charged with withholding information about Constable Carroll's murder.

Brendan McConville was remanded in custody to appear again at court on 3 April.

There was a heavy security presence at Lisburn Magistrates Court, with riot police standing guard and security checkpoints in the city.

Mr McConville served on Craigavon Borough Council from 1993 to 1997. Sinn Fein say he was expelled from the party some time ago.

Defence solicitor Kevin Winters asked police to confirm that Mr McConville denies shooting Constable Carroll.

Detective Inspector John Caldwell confirmed this but said he could connect him with all charges.

On Tuesday, a 17-year-old youth was remanded in custody charged with Constable Carroll's murder.

On Monday, two men, aged 27 and 31, who were being questioned in connection with the murder were released without charge.

Constable Carroll's murder came just two days after the killing of two soldiers at Massereene Army barracks in Antrim.

They were Sappers Mark Quinsey, 23, and Patrick Azimkar, 21.