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Eamonn Magee Jr killing: Murder suspect's workplaces attacked three times | Eamonn Magee Jr killing: Murder suspect's workplaces attacked three times |
(35 minutes later) | |
A Turkish barber's shop and a bar in west Belfast, where a man accused of killing a young boxer worked, have both been attacked and damaged. | |
A blue van was rammed into the front of Mo's Barber's Shop at Mount Eagle Square at about 03:00 BST on Sunday. It is the second such attack on the shop. | |
Barman Orhan Koca, 32, who denies murdering boxer Eamonn Magee Jr, had worked as a trainee there. | |
He also worked at a bar targeted in an attempted arson attack on Friday night. | He also worked at a bar targeted in an attempted arson attack on Friday night. |
Decking outside Beckett's Bar on Stewartstown Road was doused in flammable liquid and set on fire causing some scorch damage. | Decking outside Beckett's Bar on Stewartstown Road was doused in flammable liquid and set on fire causing some scorch damage. |
Police said that one of inquiry for both the fire, and the "ramming" attacks was a possible link with the murder of Eamonn Magee Jr. | |
Det Ch Insp John McVea said: "We are aware of suggestions that these incidents may well be borne out of some misplaced hostility towards various businesses and individuals following Eamonn's tragic murder. | |
"However I will emphasise that there can be no justification for these attacks. | |
"Everyone we have spoken to as part of our enquiries has been immeasurably cooperative and these actions have no support in this community." | |
He said that police were conducting "robust investigations" into the attacks. | |
Mr Koca, 32, who is orginally from Turkey, appeared in court in early June. | |
The 22-year-old son of former WBU welterweight champion, Eamonn Magee Sr, was stabbed on the outskirts of west Belfast last month. | The 22-year-old son of former WBU welterweight champion, Eamonn Magee Sr, was stabbed on the outskirts of west Belfast last month. |
Mr Koca is currently on remand in prison, but had requested that he be segregated after he was attacked and injured in custody. | Mr Koca is currently on remand in prison, but had requested that he be segregated after he was attacked and injured in custody. |
Sinn Féin MLA Jennifer McCann condemned the attacks on the shop and bar linked to Mr Koca. | |
"Attacking the business where the man accused of murdering Eamonn Magee worked will not bring him justice, but only causes further hardship for the local community," she said. | |
"I visited the barber shop owners this morning who are shocked and dismayed at the attack and I am sure the local community will rally behind this business to ensure that it continues to provide a service." | |
"If people want to see justice for Eamonn Magee they should cooperate with the PSNI inquiry so that whoever murdered him is brought to justice." |