Irish Republican News · October 1, 2004

Arms finds follow feud murder

A man has died following a gun attack in Derry in what is believed to be a feud among unionist paramilitaries in the city.

Darren Thompson, 22, was shot in the head as he walked to work in the Waterside area of Derry on Wednesday.

He was in a critical condition for two days in the city’s Altnagelvin Hospital, but lost his battle for life today.

Mr Thompson was recently forced from his home a after a row between rival loyalist factions.

Late on Wednesday night, a woman was arrested after a gun, ammunition and two pipe bombs were discovered in a house in the Lincoln Courts area,

In a continuing operation linked to the killing, a cache of grenade-type coffee jar bombs, blast bombs, incendiary devices and bomb-making equipment were found.

Two men, who were in custody being questioned about a gun attack on the Cosy Inn at Church Brae are also being questioned about the murder.

It is claimed there has been friction within the “Ulster Volunteer Force” after a new leadership was installed in the area.

A number of people have also been threatened recently by the rival “Ulster Defence Association” and ordered to leave the city.

Sinn Féin councillor Lynn Fleming said: “Although this shooting appears to be an escalation of the feud between unionist paramilitaries, I would urge everyone to be extra-vigilant.

“As we have seen before, unionist feuds often result in attacks on nationalists.”

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