Murdered Larne man’s family still waiting for justice 26 years after bonfire shooting

Murdered in Larne: Andrew Cairns

Detectives have renewed an appeal for information on the 26th anniversary of the murder of Andrew Cairns, who was beaten and shot after attending an Eleventh Night bonfire in Larne.

Andrew was at a bonfire at Boyne Square on 11 July 2000, ahead of the annual Twelfth celebrations, when he was attacked by a group of men near Greenland Drive.

He was taken to the nearby Moyle Hospital but died in the early hours of 12 July from a single gunshot wound to the head.

Police say attack happened in front of hundreds

Detective Chief Inspector Byrne, from the PSNI’s Legacy Investigation Branch, said Andrew had become involved in an altercation with a number of men at the Rangers Supporters Club while attending the bonfire.

Police said the altercation became violent and Andrew was “viciously beaten” by up to ten men close to the bonfire before being shot.

Detectives said that after Andrew was shot, a number of the men continued to kick him as he lay on the ground before all of his attackers made off on foot.

One of those involved was driven away from the scene in a red Vauxhall Calibra car.

DCI Byrne said:

“This was a vicious attack on a young man who was out enjoying the evening. Even more so as it took place in full view of several hundred people who were attending the bonfire, including many young children.

“While a number of people were arrested as part of the original investigation and found guilty of offences linked to Andrew’s murder no one has been convicted for his murder. Andrew’s family deserve justice and answers to what happened to Andrew that night.”

Appeal to those who were there

Police are now appealing to anyone who was at the bonfire that evening, either before or after the murder, to come forward.

Detectives want to hear from anyone who witnessed an altercation before the attack, saw the men attack Andrew, observed anyone else involved, knows who the individuals were, or saw them leaving the scene.

DCI Byrne said:

“26 years have now passed since Andrew’s murder. A number of people were involved, they know who they are and they are going to have to live with that for the rest of their lives.

“I would appeal directly to them to think about the devastating effect this has had, and continues to have, on Andrew’s family and to come forward and make themselves known to police.”

How to contact police

Anyone with information, no matter how small, can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101, extension 67258, or by emailing L&DSec@psni.police.uk, quoting reference RM05001334.

Information can also be submitted online using the PSNI witness appeals form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

More than two decades on from Andrew’s murder, police say the appeal remains focused on securing justice and answers for his family.