UUP leader 'absolutely disgusted' at McCourt bullets letter

The mercurial former Derry City winger was one of three Celtic personnel targeted alongside another former Candystripe Niall McGinn and the Bhoys' manager Neil Lennon.

The bullets were contained in a letter addressed to Celtic Park and marked for McCourt's attention.

Mr Elliott said he hoped the police were successful in tracking down the perpetrator.

He said: "I am absolutely disgusted that anyone would stoop so low as to send this type of threat to one of our sportsmen.

"I have to admit that I feared that Pat McCourt would be the victim of this type of shameful and cowardly incident once it was made public that bullets had been sent to both the Celtic Manager Neil Lennon and Pat's fellow Northern Ireland and Celtic team-mate Niall McGinn.

"I sincerely hope that the Police investigation manages to track down the person or persons responsible and bring them to justice as swiftly as possible.

"I would therefore appeal to anyone who can assist the Police in any way to please come forward immediately."

Londonderry SDLP councillor Mark H. Durkan said: "Sadly, following similar packages being sent to Neil Lennon and Niall McGinn, this latest development is equally disturbing.

"Paddy McCourt, as are Neil Lennon and Niall McGinn, is an icon to many people in Derry, the north, Glasgow and the island of Ireland.

"His name is synonymous with the talent and vibrancy this city has produced.

"Sadly, those responsible are synonymous with sectarianism and hatred.

"Paddy McCourt has given supreme service to this city, Northern Ireland and his club, and has shown how hard work, dedication and commitment are rewarded.

"He has given such pleasure to many thousands of people who look up to and try to emulate them.

"He is a proper role model and those who sent the packages are the antithesis of that, anonymous people with sick agendas and nothing of positive significance to offer society.

"I have no doubt the entire community is sickened by this."