RAAD claims more victims

The shootings, in the Bogside area, came just hours after more than 300 people turned out at a last-minute rally in Creggan calling on the group to end its reign of terror.

The attacks also came after relatives and friends of murdered Waterside man Andrew Allen took part in a vigil on Monday evening to mark his 25th birthday.

A total of 15 Chinese lanterns were sent into the sky as the Top of the Hill community paid tribute to the young father-of-two.

Andy Allen was gunned down at Buncrana last month, as his horrified girfriend, Arlene Farrelly watched.

He was shot by two gunmen who broke a downstairs bedroom window before firing four shots into it. Andrew had been in the room playing on a PS III and chatting online to a 13-year-old nephew when he was murdered.

The brutal killing was later claimed by the so-called Republican Action Against Drugs, which also claimed that he had ignored warnings.

However the family has disputed this, saying that Andrew had never been aware of a threat from the terror group.

RAAD had accused the victim of dealing drugs and of using their name to extort money, but the family rejected this saying he was “always skint”.

In fact, they said, he could not afford to tax his car, and just a few hours before the murder had asked his brother to loan him £20.

It can also be revealed that the couple did not own the house in which he was shot, nor were they renting it.

The house belongs to Arlene’s sister who is currently in the USA.

The family statement denying RAAD’s claims said: ““Andrew could not stand any type of paramilitarism. Andrew was also never threatened by RAAD.

“The original threat came in the form of a list posted to a community organisation, with a bullet inserted in the envelope.

“Last week journalists were shown a copy of the threat message delivered to Andrew by the police. No organisation was identified and no motive was given.

“As far as Andrew was concerned the threat no longer existed, as he was assured it no longer applied. Had this not been the case he would never have come back to Derry.

“And we would also never have brought his son and his nephew to Buncrana because we would never have put their lives in danger.”

Meanwhile a clean up operation got underway in the Top of the Hill area at the weekend to remove graffiti which appeared after his death.

The move was supported by Mr Allen’s family, who said that they want him to be remembered in a positive way. The clean-up was co-ordinated by local community worker, Geraldine O’Donnell, who commended the young people involved.

A charity event will also be held on March 31st.

It is also understood a more permanent memorial to his memory may be planned in the area.