City murder shock

The PSNI were granted additional time on Monday at Londonderry Magistrates Court to question 46-year-old Paul Greatbanks, also of Bayview Terrace, in relation to the killing. Mr Greatbanks appeared at court with severe bruising to his right eye.

Meanwhile a second man severely injured in the attack at the flat, which is just yards from the city’s main PSNI station, continues to fight for his life at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

39-year-old Paul Mythen, originally from Letterkenny, was a friend of the deceased and was present in Mr Harkin’s flat at the time of the attack. It is understood that both victims were beaten with a hammer.

Eight CCTV cameras line the Bayview Terrace side of Strand Road PSNI station and footage from the surveillance equipment is being examined as part of the investigation into the murder and assault of both men. During the application for 36 extra hours to question the suspect, the city’s Magistrates Court also heard that nine witnesses are waiting to be interviewed and that further forensic tests were being carried out. The court also heard that the suspect had been interviewed on two separate occasions and was only deemed fit for those interviews at 9pm on Sunday night last.

As relatives of the murder victim looked on, Mr Harkin’s remains were removed from the late on Monday afternoon. A post mortem examination was expected to be carried out on Mr Harkin, originally from Creggan, yesterday. Mr Harkin comes from a family of twelve siblings.

Paddy Harkin’s relatives laid floral tributes to him at the scene of the attack on Sunday. The family spoke publicly for the first time on Monday. Mr Harkin’s brother John said: “Patrick was a beautiful individual who lived and worked to provide the best life for his son Sean.

“We fear to contemplate what could have been if Sean had been present. Sean would spend much of his time with Paddy in his flat and only that he was attending a party on Saturday he would have been present in the flat at the time of the attack.

“We would also like to offer our best wishes to Paddy’s friend who also suffered horrendous injuries in the incident which cost Paddy his life. He and his family are constantly in our thoughts. We hope and pray he makes a full recovery.”

Mr Harkin’s family also made a request that they be allowed to mourn in private away from the glare of media attention.

Local politicians in Londonderry have expressed their shock at the incident. SDLP Councillor for the Northlands district Mark H Durkan attended the scene on Sunday morning and said there was a palpable sense of shock.

“My sympathies and those of the people I represent go to the family of the deceased and also to the family of the man seriously injured in hospital,” he said.

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness who knew Mr Harkin said: “I must say he was a very inoffensive man and I was shocked and saddened this morning when I was told of his tragic death. Whilst I understand there is a person in custody in connection with the murder and assault, I nonetheless would encourage anyone with information to come forward. Paddy’s wife, son, brothers, sisters, extended family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers at this troublesome time.”

Police in Londonderry have also issued an appeal for anyone with information in relation to the murder of Mr Harkin and serious assault on Mr Mythen to come forward. The PSNI in the city can be contacted on 08456008000 or through the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800555111.