Two held over McCartney murder

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney, police said today.

The men, aged 36 and 49, were arrested following police operations in Belfast and Birmingham.

Mr McCartney, 33, died after he was attacked outside Magennis's Bar in Belfast city centre on January 30.

Mr McCartney's sister, Catherine McCartney, welcomed the news.

She said: "We obviously welcome these arrests but remain cautious. People have been arrested before and let out.

"Others have walked into police stations, stared at walls and said nothing."
The IRA expelled three members for their role in the brutal stabbing of Mr McCartney outside the pub.

The murder followed a row between Mr McCartney and republicans.

The Provisionals have insisted that all those involved in the attack near Magennis's Bar, during which Mr McCartney's friend Brendan Devine was also injured, should help the family in their quest for justice.

They also revealed that they offered during a meeting with the McCartney family to have the individuals responsible shot, but the offer was declined.