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Fresh plea over 1993 murder of policeman as detectives close in on killers

A fresh appeal for information has been launched over the murder of a police officer in Londonderry 26 years ago.

Constable Michael Ferguson was just 21 when he was shot dead by the IRA while attending a call about a theft from a shop on Shipquay Street on Saturday January 23, 1993

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Legacy Investigation Branch say they believe they are close to apprehending those responsible.

Michael Ferguson murder
Constable Michael Ferguson was shot dead aged 21 in Londonderry in 1993 (PSNI/PA)

They have issued a new appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Conor Sweeney, the senior investigating officer, said his team believes Pc Ferguson was killed by a lone gunman.

He said: “Michael, along with two colleagues, were attending a call to the Richmond Centre at around 2pm.

“Michael remained on the street when his two colleagues entered the shopping centre.

“A lone gunman approached Michael from behind and shot him twice in the back of the head.”

The gunman is believed to have fled on foot along Shipquay Street before entering Castle Street, in the direction of the Bogside.

“We are following a number of definite lines of inquiry and I believe we are extremely close to progressing criminal justice action against Michael’s killers,” Mr Sweeney added.

“My appeal is aimed at the local people of Derry/Londonderry who were in Shipquay Street on the day Michael was murdered.

Michael Ferguson murder
An artist’s impression of the suspected killer of Pc Ferguson (PSNI/PA)

“The gunman did not have his face covered and was wearing a distinctive green jacket. I believe that someone knows who this gunman was.”

He urged people to “stop and think” about the murder.

He added: “Michael was a young man murdered while responding to a reported theft from a local shop.

“I would ask everyone listening to just stop and think about that for a second.

“Murdered for no other reason than he was providing a service to help local businesses, local community and local people.

“In the years since Michael’s murder, circumstances and allegiances may have changed, people’s lifestyles change, and I want those who know who was involved that day to search their consciences and come forward to the police.

“I am aware that time has passed since the murder but it is not too late, if anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are ready to listen.

“To those involved, I would appeal to them to do the right thing and make a difference to Michael’s family. They will no longer have to live with the worry that someday soon police are going to knock on their door.”

Anyone with information can contact detectives on 101 or by emailing LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk.