It has been reported that the main suspect in the investigation into the abduction of Kevin Lunney has died.
The man, who was in his 50s, took ill when Derbyshire police searched his home in the UK this morning.
Officers from the PSNI are currently undertaking five searches in Derrylin, while police in Derbyshire are also conducting a search operation in England as part of the investigation of the abduction of Quinn Industrial Holdings executive.
Gardai and the PSNI believe the man who died was the main organiser behind the kidnapping and violent attack on the Quinn Industrial Holdings executive.
It is believed the man has been a target of the police on both sides of the border for years and has more than 50 previous convictions.
Gardai said today’s searches are part of “the evidence gathering stage to progress the investigations” into the abduction, false imprisonment and assault of Mr Lunney on 17 September in the border area.
Speaking about the searches, PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said, “The investigation is continuing at pace and today‘s significant operation involves searching four residential properties and one commercial premises in the Derrylin area. Our colleagues in Derbyshire Constabulary are searching one premises in their area and members of An Garda Síochána are searching five locations in County Cavan, three locations in County Longford and four locations in Dublin. These premises are a mixture of domestic dwellings and commercial business premises.
50-year-old father-of-six Kevin Lunney was found bleeding on a remote roadside after being abducted outside his home in Derrylin and later dumped in Co Cavan.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Julie Mullan said: “This was a truly horrific crime and we continue to work closely with our colleagues in An Garda Siochana and now also Derbyshire Constabulary to try and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Earlier this week, Mr Lunney spoke to the BBC during a Spotlight interview and told how he was slashed with a knife, doused with bleach and branded by his captors in September.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere