Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have today, Tuesday, November 7, made a renewed appeal for information on the murder of dissident republican Martin Conlon.

The appeal comes on the 18th anniversary of Mr Conlon’s murder, and is backed by a reward of up to £20,000 from the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Martin Conlon, who was aged 35, was murdered in the Keady area of South Armagh on Monday 7 November 2005.

He was found by members of the public, just after 6.30pm, lying unconscious on the Farnaloy Road.

An inquest later found Mr Conlon had been shot twice in the back of the head.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “Martin had sustained gunshot wounds to his head.  He was taken to hospital but, sadly, died upon arrival.

“We believe he had been bundled into the back of his own car, a silver-coloured Volkswagen Passat, by two masked men.

“This was in the Greenpark Crest area, just off the Monaghan Road in Armagh, earlier that evening.

“The car was driven, by one of the men, to the Farnaloy Road where Martin was shot and abandoned.”

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly added: “This was a calculated, ruthless and cold-blooded murder, which took place in the early evening – a time when members of the pubic, including children, would have been out and about.

“I have no doubt there are individuals who know who carried out this most cruel of attacks, and I am asking you to search your conscience.  Please imagine, for just one minute, the loss and heartache that Martin’s loving family have endured.

“It’s 18 years on, and Martin’s mother and father have sadly since passed away.  They died without seeing those responsible for their son’s murder held to account, while those loved ones who remain are left with ongoing sorrow.

“I understand there may be reluctance to come forward.  And I am keen to highlight the support of the charity Crimestoppers, who are independent from the police.  Crimestoppers are offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Martin’s murder.

“Information can be given with 100% anonymity.”

A spokesperson for Crimestoppers added:  “To stay anonymous, or to be eligible for the reward, you must pass on information exclusively to the charity Crimestoppers.

“With Crimestoppers, computer IP addresses are never traced. Telephone calls are never recorded, there is no caller line display and no 1471 facility. We are independent of the police and guarantee complete anonymity.

“The reward will only be payable for information passed directly to Crimestoppers and not to the police.

“A reward code must be asked for when speaking to our Contact Centre or when completing an anonymous online form via our website.”

Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org