Sixth Provo suspect arrested over IRA revenge murder of Kevin McGuigan in east Belfast
UPDATED NEWS: DETECTIVES have now arrested a sixth person today as the net tightens around the Provo gang who shot dead Kevin McGuigan in a revenge murder.
A 49-year-old man was arrested this morning in the Belfast area under section 41 of the Terrorism Act and taken to the serious crime suite in Antrim for questioning.
He joins four other men who were arrested yesterday.
In the latest development, a 32-year-old woman has been arrested this afternoon for questioning.
Searches are continuing right across addresses in Belfast as detectives look for forensic clues to link the suspects to the murder.
Belfast Daily revealed in the early hours of this morning that the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team probing the murder of Kevin McGuigan had arrested Shankill bomb killer Sean Kelly over the cold blooded killing.
Belfast Daily also revealed the 44-year-old was arrested at his Ardoyne home on Tuesday morning as part of a planned search operation.
He was jailed for life for the Shankill bomb atrocity on Frizzell’s fish shop in October 1993.
Nine innocent Protestants died in the horror attack.
Provo bomber Thomas Begley was killed by his own device in the attack.
Sean Kelly sustained serious injuries when the bomb went off prematurely.
Belfast Daily also reveal that 53-year-old Joe Fitzpatrick was also arrested for questioning.
He was acquitted of his alleged involvement in the murder or Robert McCartney at a Belfast City Centre bar in January 2005.
Both men are still being quizzed at the serious crime suite in Antrim along with two other men.
The arrests now point clearly that the Provisional IRA shot dead Kevin McGuigan in revenge for the murder of IRA chief Jock Davison in May despite Sinn Fein denials to the contrary.
Sean Kelly held over murder of Kevin McGuigan
Belfast Daily can also reveal that two guns were found during a search of homes in the Lagmore estate in west Belfast on Tuesday morning where Joe Fitzpatrick lives.
A senior MIT officer said the weapons were found during searches carried out in the Greater Belfast area today, Tuesday, August 18.
Detective Chief Inspector John McVea said: “The firearms have been sent for forensic examination as part of the overall investigation.
“In addition, a 39 year old man has been arrested in the Greater Belfast area.
“He has been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite for questioning.”
McGuigan, 53, was shot six times by masked gunmen outside his home in the Comber Court area of Short Strand just before 9pm last Wednesday.
Family, friends and associates of McGuigan believe the Provisional IRA shot the father-of-nine dead in revenge for the murder of IRA chief Jock Davison in the Markets district in May.
However, Sinn Fein have denied that the IRA was involved.
Kelly, Fitzpatrick and a 41-year-old man remain in police custody after they were arrested in dawn swoops for questioning before Mr McGuigan’s midday funeral yesterday.
The Requiem Mass took place on Tuesday afternoon at St Matthew’s Church in nearby Bryson Street, a short distance from the victim’s home.
Young GAA players formed a guard of honour around his Tricolour draped coffin as it was led into the packed church.
Police had been on high alert over the funeral and the PSNI’s helicopter hovered over the Short Strand area.
Parish Priest Fr John Nevin said the victim’s family had questioned why he was killed.
“I have no answers for these tragedies that wreck families,” he told mourners.
“Violence and war and revenge do not sort problems but create more. The circle goes on.”
