PSNI release men held over McCartney investigation

Two men arrested in connection with the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney were tonight released.

Two men arrested in connection with the murder of Belfast father-of-two Robert McCartney were tonight released.

But police confirmed the men will be reported to the Public Prosecution Service in connection with the killing and the attempted murder of Mr McCartney's friend.

The 33-year-old forklift driver was beaten and stabbed outside Magennis's pub in Belfast city centre in January.

A police spokeswoman said: "Two men have been released and will the subject of a report to the PPS in relation to offences surrounding the attempted murder of Brendan Devine and the murder of Robert McCartney."

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The McCartney family have accused IRA members of carrying out the attack and have been subjected to a campaign of intimidation.

In June, two men were remanded in custody charged in connection with the murder.

One man has been charged with Mr McCartney's murder and is expected to stand trial next year.

A second is accused of attempting to murder Mr Devine.