Police ombudsman to investigate loyalist death

An investigation has been opened by Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Ms Nuala O’Loan into the death of a prominent loyalist …

An investigation has been opened by Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman Ms Nuala O’Loan into the death of a prominent loyalist at the weekend.

It is thought he may have had information about the sectarian murder of Catholic postal worker Daniel McColgan. Mr McColgan was murdered by the UDA when he arrived at work last week.

It was reported at the weekend that Mr Stephen McCullough, reportedly a known UDA man, had approached a member of the Royal Irish Regiment and offered information about the murder of Daniel McColgan by the UDA.

The Irish Newsreported he was later in contact with police and was taken to a police station where he was interviewed about drink-driving.

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A short time later, he is said to have stormed out of the station and was found dead a number of hours later. His body was found at the bottom of Cavehill near Belfast last Wednesday afternoon.

Mr McCullough hailed from the loyalist Rathcoole estate in north Belfast where Mr McColgan was killed last week.

The police initially said a crime was not suspected but would not make any further comment as the case has been referred to Ms O’Loan’s office.