Family asks for help to bring killers to justice

They have told of the devastating impact the killing of Andrew Allen continues to have on his two children, parents, partner, siblings and the wider family.

The 24-year-old was staying with his partner, Arlene Farrelly in Buncrana, in 2012 when he was shot dead.

The murder was claimed by Republican Action Against Drugs (RAAD), which made allegations of drug dealing and criminality which were strongly rejected by the family, who say they are confident the truth will eventually emerge.

A statement was issued by the family last night as they prepare to mark the second anniversary of Andrew Allen’s death on Sunday, February 9. It noted that RAAD had joined forces with the Real IRA several months after what they described as “the cowardly murder”.

It added: “However the people who murdered him still walk the streets of Derry. One must ask the question: ‘Why is this?’

“The atrocity has left a devastating effect on the family. Each member of the family is heartbroken, their world turned upside down.”

It said friends and the wider community had been “shattered” too and referring to Andy’s mum, Donna, the statement asked: “Have you ever had to look into the eyes of a grandchild and see sadness and pain you can’t take away. We see this every day since their father was taken from them”.

The statement urged people to think back to that evening of February 9, 2012, and for anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant they might think it is, to contact the confidential Garda line on 1800666111. Information learned since the killing might also be helpful to investigating detectives.

The statement concluded: “It’s not just the person who shot him who is guilty of murder, it is anyone involved from the beginning to the end of the plan to murder Andrew.”