GARDAI in Co Donegal are still seeking the Belfast man who disappeared after a member of the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) was beaten to death in a caravan park in Bundoran, Co Donegal.
Relatives of James Gerard Halligan (26), who has not been seen since Monday night, have expressed concern for his safety.
Mr Halligan, who is from west Belfast, was in the company of John Fennell (40), from north Belfast, who was beaten to death in a caravan park off the Main Street in Bundoran in the early hours of Tuesday.
Mr Fennell's associates rang The Irish Times yesterday to deny a report that he had been involved in drug dealing. They said this information was based on "lies" issued by the RUC or the "scum bags who killed him".
Gardai have set up an incident room in Bundoran Garda station and are seeking help from anyone who had contact with Mr Fennell or Mr Halligan, or who was in the town on Monday evening and saw anything suspicious.
It is understood Mr Halligan arrived in Bundoran about six weeks ago and rented a caravan. He was joined by Mr Fennell, who is believed to have been returning to the caravan when he was attacked and killed.
Mr Fennell was savagely beaten and appears to have died from extensive head injuries. His trousers had been pulled down around his ankles and twisted to prevent him from running away.
He was also dragged about 20 yards across the caravan park and was found in a pool of blood. There was another pool of blood at the spot where he was first attacked.
Mr Fennell's murder is believed to be part of a feud among INLA members which resulted in the killing of another member, chief of staff Gino Gallagher, on January 30th last. He was shot by a lone gunman in the Falls Road social security office.
. THE RUC has said that several people have been arrested in connection with Gallagher's murder. They are being questioned at Castlereagh Interrogation Centre in Belfast.