Two men appear in court charged with the murder of 52 year old Edward Meenan

Q Newsdesk

Two men have appeared in court charged with the murder of Derry-Londonderry father of nine Eddie Meenan.

The 52 year old's body was discovered in an alleyway on Creggan Street in the early hours of Sunday morning.

26 year old Derek Cresswell of no fixed abode, and 31-year-old Sean Rogers of 29 Little Diamond, appeared at Londonderry Magistrates Court flanked by several police officers.

Members of Mr Meenan's family wept openly as the charge of murder was read to the two defendants. 

Mr Rodgers denied the offence and Mr Cresswell did not respond.

Both were remanded in custody to appear via video link on December 20th.

Meanwhile,

Police have been given a further 36 hours to question a 17 year old man arrested on suspicion of murder.

Him and a 19 year old man remain in police custody.

Police believe 3 people who were on Creggan Street at around 2.20am on the night of Mr. Meenan's death may have information that could help with investigations, and are urging them to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said:

“I would like to speak to three people – two men and one woman – who I know were standing on the steps of a shop on Creggan Street at around 2.20am on Sunday November 25. They were then given a lift from someone driving a dark coloured, medium sized car at around 2.30am.

“I would appeal to them to make contact with me as they may be able to provide some vital information.

“Mr Meenan’s body was found in an alleyway on Creggan Street shortly before 2.45am with significant injuries to his head and body. The group of people I am appealing to may have witnessed something either before or after the murder took place.

“Please contact me or any of my detectives on 101 quoting reference 244 of 25/11/18.  Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”