Murder of Andrew Burns
12 Feb 2008
Detectives investigating the murder of 27 years old Andrew Burns, are appealing for information on his last movements before he was found shot dead in the Republic of Ireland.
An Garda Siochana is leading the murder investigation but PSNI officers are working closely with their AGS colleagues.
Andrew Burns was last seen being dropped off by a relative at Upper Main Street in Strabane on Tuesday 12 February at 6.50pm. Twenty-seven minutes later at 7.17pm, a call was made for an ambulance to attend the churchyard at Doneyloop near Castlefin where Mr Burns was found shot.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Frankie Taylor said: “Andrew Burns was last seen in Upper Main Street in Strabane at 6.50pm last Tuesday, wearing his distinctive green and white hooped Celtic football top, jeans and a black jacket. Just 27 minutes later, six miles away in Doneyloop near Castlefin, he was found shot.
”An Garda Siochana and the Police Service of Northern Ireland are appealing for anyone who was with Andrew Burns during that time, who saw him or who knows where he was to contact us. We would also ask anyone who knew Andrew Burns to speak to us” said the DCI.
”There has been considerable speculation about this murder but police cannot deal in speculation. We need information that we can turn into evidence.”
The detective added that public assistance was key to finding who murdered Andrew.
“This was a brutal murder and police are asking all decent people in the community to assist them in any way they can so that the individuals who carried out this vicious attack can be brought before the courts.
“I would ask anyone who can assist us to contact detectives at Strabane on 0845 600 800 ext 59005 or they can contact An Garda Siochana in Lifford on 00353 749141000. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously through the Crimestoppers Charity on 0800 555 111."
