Horrific murder in Derry as teenage girl shot dead and sister wounded

Lauren O’Neill had just celebrated 18th birthday

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Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a 26-year-old man after a teenage girl was shot dead and her sister seriously wounded in the Derry village of Bellaghy.

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Police in Northern Ireland have arrested a man after a teenage girl was shot dead and her sister seriously wounded in the Derry village of Bellaghy.

Lauren O’Neill had  just celebrated her 18th birthday and was visiting her older sister Brenda and her two children when they were shot.

A 26-year-old man, believed to be known to the pair, was arrested on suspicion of murder after the incident.

A man and woman, both 28, were also arrested for allegedly assisting an offender.

The Irish Sun reports that locals have been shocked by the tragedy.

Sinn Fein councillor Caoimhe Scullion said: “The village is stunned by the gun attack. Everybody is in complete shock. You never think it will happen on your doorstep.”

Northern Ireland’s Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “People I have spoken to in the area are in a state of shock.

“I would wish to extend my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the victim at this terrible time.”

SDLP Mid-Ulster deputy Patsy McGlone said: “There is an overwhelming sense of shock amongst local people that something like this has happened so close to home in broad daylight.

“This must be extremely painful for the victims’ families. Our thoughts are with them as they try to come to terms with this awful tragedy.”

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