Andrew Cairns: ‘Family deserve justice’ say police on 26th anniversary of vicious murder on man in front of hundreds of people at Larne bonfire
The family of a man who was viciously beaten before being shot while attending a bonfire in Larne are still seeking justice over a quarter of a century on from his murder.
Police emphasised the impact the horrific killing of Andrew Cairns has had on his relatives as they made a fresh appeal for information on the 26th anniversary of the attack in July 2000.
The 22-year-old was attending a bonfire at Boyne Square on July 11 ahead of the annual Twelfth celebrations when he was attacked and shot by a group of men in the vicinity of Greenland Drive.
He was taken to the nearby Moyle Hospital but died in the early hours of July 12 as a result of a single gunshot wound to his head. At the time it was believed the murder may have been linked to an internal loyalist dispute.
In a statement issued on Friday (July 10) 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?
“Twenty-six 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.
A report can also be submitted online using the police’s witness appeals form. Alternatively, information can be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers, with 100% anonymity, on 0800 555 111.