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THE PSNI HAS re-opened an investigation into the murder of Lorraine McCausland, who died in north Belfast in 1987.
The mother-of-two had been on a night out in a loyalist club at Tyndale, before her body was found beside a stream in the Forthriver area in the early hours of 8 March 1987.
Detective Inspector, Michelle Griffin, said in a statement: “It is our assessment that Lorraine had been enjoying a night out with friends and ended up in a loyalist drinking club at Tyndale.
“We believe she was raped in the club and later savagely beaten inside and outside the premises before her partially clothed body was dumped on open ground beside a nearby river.”
The police are launching a public appeal for anyone who was in the club on the night of Saturday 7 March 1987 to come forward.
“This was the merciless beating of a vulnerable young woman,” Griffin stated. “It would have had a lasting impact on the people who witnessed these events 29 years ago.”
In total, 14 people were arrested in connection with the murder but no one has yet been charged.
Griffin believes that fear is the main reason that no one has yet come forward with crucial information regarding the murder.
“The shadow of loyalist paramilitarism hangs over this case. I believe people have been reluctant to tell the truth about that night, what they saw and heard, what they know, because they are frightened.”
Griffin said that she understood the reluctance of potential witnesses to come forward, but indicated that the PSNI would do everything in their power to provide a mechanism to enable people to come forward in safety and confidence.
She added: “Times have changed, people and personalities have changed. I would ask those people who have information to ask themselves if they are now in a position to help a victim and her family get the truth and secure justice.”
In 2005, the BBC reported that McCausland’s son, Craig, had been shot dead. Police said the killing was due to tensions within loyalist factions.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives from Serious Crime Branch on the non-emergency 101 number. Alternatively, people who do not wish to leave their personal details can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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What a shame the north did not have a real police services at that time
Travellers must feel they’ve had it worse than people who have been shot dead and tortured and had to flee their homes. Unbelivable!!!!!
@Stephen Cullen: don’t think they are housing those that were shot dead.
Joe o hate may have lost family members…
What happened the comments on the travellers article? Pavee point have it shut down or something???
@Dave Murray:
Can’t have travellers painted in a negative light.
Wouldn’t fit the narrative.
The Journal can’t have people posting negative comments about travellers as it wouldn’t suit their agenda. I mean pointing out the irony of people who travel around and live in caravans giving out about people getting a house before them. Not to mention the added irony of travellers protesting about someone moving in next to them because they are from a different ethnic background to the “ethnic” travellers. Jesus you couldn’t make it up!
Sad indictment of our time when we have less sympathy for fellow Irishmen and women than we do foreign dependents.
Brian the issue is why have a waiting list for housing when some people, who aren’t even Irish nationals, can skip the queue. Joke of a country!
Where do you suggest they go Paul? The streets maybe?
@Keith Mitchell: True the Syrians have suffered untold suffering the other crowd have caused it. One came from a bomb site the others make it look like one. One hasn’t had time to integrate the others had hundreds of years. I know who I would rather next door.
I really don’t care where they go but why are non nationals being treated differently from Irish people and allowed to skip the queue in housing waiting lists. Its bulls*t and the only reason people aren’t in a rage is because it is travellers who are protesting.
Again Paul, what is the alternative? They need a roof over their heads. The protestors admitted they already have homes provided by the state, just not the type of homes they want. These refugees are desperate and need help.
They wer in a nato country Turkey that’s plenty of help
@nialls: Irish travellers are irish citizens and its the duty of irish state to protect and provide shelter and food for its own citizens first and foremost before refugees / migrants or what ever you want to call them…
Hey, guys, can we concentrate on the horrific crime that is the subject of the article?!
I know that many horrific crimes were committed in the conflict that is known as “the Troubles” but the murder of Lorraine McCausland is one of the crimes that stand out because of their exceptional heinousness.
The fact that she was raped before she was killed is crucial because it indicates sexual motivation. Therefore, whether or not her killer, if he is convicted, would qualify for parole after two years’ imprisonment under the Good Friday Agreement isn’t clear.
@Ciarán Masterson: Should be easy enough for the psni, some of them were probably in the club on the night, if not then some of their mates retired from the ruc on big pensions ( now back as consultants) would definetly know.
The Loyalist drinking clubs were pits of hell
Im not familiar with this murder at all, was she from a loyalist or republican area? Did others in the club actually witness the rape and beating or was it after closing time? Why was she singled out? Is this a McConville type case was she suspected of spying or something?
@Lord Clanricarde: .. she was from a unionist background the area borders upper nationalist Ligoniel area of north belfast who are surrounded by hostile loyalist areas like forthrive its part of the greater shankill road area who bred the Shankill butchers who main aim was to butcher Catholics to Death with hammers and knifes on there way ftom work or socialising in mainly north belfast
have your say