Man (42) beaten to death in Derry following wedding

Two men and a woman were in police custody yesterday after a man was beaten to death in front of his children in Derry early …

Two men and a woman were in police custody yesterday after a man was beaten to death in front of his children in Derry early on Saturday.

Jim McFadden from Moyola Drive, Shantallow, in Derry had returned from a wedding in Donegal when he was assaulted.

Police described the attack as unprovoked, although they are also investigating whether the beating was linked to a dispute that reportedly broke out but was understood to have been resolved at the wedding.

Mr McFadden (42) was attacked at about 3am. He was beaten with baseball bats and sticks. A father of four, he died in hospital from his injuries.

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At least two of his children, including a 15-year-old daughter, witnessed the attack. She was injured in the incident, while a 16-year-old boy reportedly suffered a broken arm in the attack.

Mr McFadden, with his family, had attended the wedding of his sister-in-law in Redcastle, Co Donegal. His wife, Ita, was a bridesmaid.

Two men and a woman were arrested after the attack. Police don't suspect paramilitary involvement at this stage.

Detectives appealed for public assistance in establishing the full circumstances behind the killing.

They want to hear from anyone who saw a blue vehicle in the area at about 3am on Saturday.

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty

Gerry Moriarty is the former Northern editor of The Irish Times