Two arrested over Malcolm McKeown murder

by Gráinne Connolly

Detectives investigating the murder of Malcolm McKeown in Waringstown, Co. Down have arrested two men on suspicion of murder. 

The 54-year-old was found dead in his car close to a petrol station on Main Street on Monday night. 

Police believe he was shot up to six times. 

The suspects, aged 24 and 25 have both been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite. 

They remain in police custody at this time. 

The arrests came on the same day that Mr McKeown was laid to rest following a funeral at Emmanuel Church in Lurgan.

Police have re-issued their appeal for information about the murder. 

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “CCTV footage shows Mr McKeown entering the shop at Dewart’s Garage at approximately 7.15pm on Monday and then walking back to his car approximately four minutes later.

"It was around this time I believe that the gunman or gunmen shot him. 

“Were you in Dewart’s Garage or in Waringstown Main Street at that time and did you see anything?

“I am keen to trace the driver and passengers of a dark blue or black VW Passat, registration RK62 PLX, which was seen at 6.20pm in Cambrai Heights before the shooting.

"I believe the gunman or men may have got out of this car, walked around the back of Dewart’s to shoot Malcolm McKeown, before fleeing and leaving Cambrai Heights in the car at 7.20pm.

“Did you see this car leaving Cambrai Heights and then travelling along the Dunkirk Road towards Summerhill Road at 7.20pm? If you were driving in these areas and have dashcam I would like to see it.

“If you live in Cambrai Heights or the adjoining streets and have private CCTV please let me know.

“This car was found burnt out on the Glenavon Lane in Lurgan just after 7.30pm.  Did you see the occupants get out of it and get into a dark coloured Jeep? If so, do you know where they went? Or did they make off on foot?

“I would also like to hear from anyone who saw Mr McKeown at any stage during Monday in Lurgan or Craigavon.”

Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact them on 101.  Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.