Northern Ireland

Twelve teenagers arrested in Piotr Krowka murder probe

<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; ">Twelve teenagers have been arrested by police investigating the murder of Piotr Krowka in Maghera, Co Derry</span>
Twelve teenagers have been arrested by police investigating the murder of Piotr Krowka in Maghera, Co Derry Twelve teenagers have been arrested by police investigating the murder of Piotr Krowka in Maghera, Co Derry

TWELVE teenagers have been arrested by police investigating the murder of a Polish man in Co Derry.

The body of Piotr Krowka (36) was found badly beaten at a disused house at Glen Road in Maghera on April 3.

Police believe he may have been killed four days earlier, on or around March 31, which was Easter Saturday.

Since his remains were found detectives have arrested 12 people, whose ages range from 15 to 19. All are believed to come from the Maghera area.

One of those detained is a 15-year-old girl who was later released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Five of those detained have been released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS). The others have been bailed pending further enquiries.

The most recent arrest came on July 3 when a 16-year-old boy was detained on suspicion of withholding information. He was later released pending a report to the PPS.

Police said there were no repeat arrests.

Mr Krowka sustained serious injuries to his head and body. Police described the attack on him as “vicious, sustained and unjustifiable”. He had been living in Maghera “on and off” since 2005. He returned from London to Maghera last December and is said to have “fallen on hard times” staying in unoccupied and derelict buildings in the area during that time.

Police released CCTV footage of Mr Krowka walking through Maghera on the night he was murdered, including images of a hooded man they say was following him.

Sinn Féin MLA Ian Milne said the killers must be brought to justice.

“The people of Maghera deserve for this to be brought to a successful conclusion and that the people responsible go through due process,” he said.

SDLP councillor Martin Kearney said: “A period of time has passed and uncertainty still exists in relation to the enquiries that are ongoing and the people of the area hope there will be a satisfactory conclusion.”

Police said: “To date 12 arrests have been made. Seven have been bailed pending further enquiries. Five have been released pending a report to the PPS.”