TWO men arrested in Britain in connection with the sectarian murder of a Catholic teenager in the North of Ireland 40 years ago have been released pending reports to prosecutors.
Seamus Gilmore was 18 when loyalist paramilitaries shot and killed him at a petrol station in north Belfast on February 4, 1973.
Detectives arrested and questioned a 59-year-old man in Falkirk, Scotland, and a 61-year-old man in London on Tuesday.
Both suspects were released later that night.
Mr Gilmore was shot at by two men, believed to be from the Ulster Volunteer Force, who were transported to the scene of the murder by a third man in a hijacked car.
The 18-year-old was then taken to hospital, where he died the next day.
This week’s arrests were made with the help of Police Scotland and London’s Metropolitan Police Service.
PSNI detective inspector Chris Wilson said that “a number of new lines of inquiry” have been identified following a review of the killing.
He also appealed for anyone with information on the murder to come forward.
In a statement, Mr Gilmore’s family said they appreciated that the efforts of the PSNI have led to arrests.
"We have forgiven those who took Seamus' life and we pray for them,” they added.
"Our priority now is our 82-year-old mother and will make no further comment on this matter.”
To contact police with information, call 028 9180 1507 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Seamus Gilmore was killed by gunfire from two loyalist paramilitariesat Mount Pleasant petrol station
See More: PSNI, Seamus Gilmore, Troubles
