Detectives from Legacy Investigation Branch are appealing for information on the 26th anniversary of the murder of Andrew Cairns on 12 July 2000.
Andrew was attending a bonfire at Boyne Square in Larne on 11 July ahead of the Annual Twelfth Celebrations when he was attacked and shot by a group of men in the vicinity of Greenland Drive. Andrew was taken to the nearby Moyle Hospital but died in the early hours of 12 July as a result of a single gunshot wound to his head.
Detective Chief Inspector Byrne from Legacy Investigation Branch said: “Andrew became involved in an altercation with a number of men at the Rangers Supporters Club while attending an 11th night bonfire. This altercation became violent and Andrew was viciously beaten by up to ten men close to the bonfire before being shot.
“After Andrew was shot a number of the men continued to kick Andrew as he lay on the ground. All of his attackers then made off on foot. One of those involved was driven away from the scene in a red coloured Vauxhall Calibra car.
“This was a vicious attack on a young man who was out enjoying the evening. Even more so as it took place in full view of several hundred people who were attending the bonfire, including many young children.
“While a number of people were arrested as part of the original investigation and found guilty of offences linked to Andrew’s murder no one has been convicted for his murder. Andrew’s family deserve justice and answers to what happened to Andrew that night.
Detective Chief Inspector Byrne continued: “I am appealing to anyone who was at the bonfire that evening either before or after the murder; Did you witness any altercation before the attack on Andrew? Did you see the men attack Andrew? Did you observe anyone else involved in this attack?
Do you know who these individuals were? Did you see them make good their escape after the attack?
“26 years have now passed since Andrew’s murder. A number of people were involved, they know who they are and they are going to have to live with that for the rest of their lives. I would appeal directly to them to think about the devastating effect this has had, and continues to have, on Andrew’s family and to come forward and make themselves known to police.”
Anyone with information, no matter how small, can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101, Extension 67258 or L&[email protected] quoting reference RM05001334. You can also submit a report online using our witness appeals form via https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.