Sinn Fein member killed in Kilrea crash

Police say they received a report that a BMW car was on fire in the Agivey Road area of the town at around 3.30am.

Emergency services who attended the scene say the car had been involved in an accident.

One of the men killed, Christopher O’Neill is a Sinn Féin member and grandson of former Sinn Féin councillor John Davey, killed by loyalists in 1989.

Mid Ulster MLA Martin McGuinness: said. “Last night’s accident outside Kilrea has claimed the lives of two young local men and I would extend my condolences to both families involved. Declan McKenna and Christopher O’Neill were close friends and died together last night in this tragic accident.

“Christopher O’Neill is the Chairperson of the local Sinn Féin Cumman in Kilrea. He is the grandson of our party colleague John Davey killed by loyalists in 1989 and Republicans in County Derry and beyond are deeply shocked today at this terrible news.

“On behalf of Republicans throughout Ireland I would wish to extend my condolences to the families involved at this most difficult of times.”