PSNI acknowledge Sinn Fein help

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Police have acknowledged the assistance of Sinn Fein in an investigation into the murder of a taxi driver in Newry.

Chief Superintendent Bobby Hunniford said the party encouraged local people to work with the police over the murder of Stiofan Loughran.

Mr Loughran, a father-of-four in his early 40s, died after being stabbed in Derrybeg on 8 February.

Mr Hunniford said the party's assistance had been "very positive" for their investigation.

"It enabled us to deal with a very difficult situation in a much more normal manner and have it resolved at the scene a lot quicker," he said.

"I thank the local representative for the statement that she made because it made our job on the ground a lot easier."

Mr Loughran was stabbed at least twice at Third Avenue, Derrybeg. He died later in hospital.

An 18-year-old man has been remanded in custody charged with his murder.