PSNI appeal for information from occupants of car near scene of murder of Donegal man in Tyrone

Police probing the murder of Burt man Kyle McDermott in Co Tyrone have appealed for information about a blue-coloured car.

Mr McDermott, a 24-year-old originally from Burt, died in Altnagelvin Hospital in the early hours of Monday after being attacked on Sunday night in the village of Ballymagorry.

In recent times, Mr McDermott, a talented digger driver, was living in Ballymagorry with his girlfriend, Chloe McGonagle.

PSNI Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: “I am making a specific and direct appeal to the occupants of a blue-coloured car.  

“This car was parked on the Victoria Road, near the scene of the altercation, and we believe that an occupant captured mobile footage of the incident.”

Detective Inspector Miller appealed to the driver and the passengers of the car to contact the PSNI on 101. 

The border village of Burt has been left reeling by the shock incident while a 24-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.

"The community in Burt, and throughout Inishowen is horrified at the murder of Kyle McDermott,” Sinn Fein Councillor Jack Murray said.

"It was a brutal and callous act that shocked everyone.

"The thoughts of everyone is with the wider McDermott family as they try to come to terms with what has happened. 

"I would also appeal to anyone who may have information to come forward so we can ensure that those responsible are brought to justice."

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It is understood that an assault on Mr McDermott occurred at around 11.30pm on Sunday in the Victoria Road area of Ballymagorry outside Strabane.

Two ambulances were dispatched to the scene by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), who received a 999 call.

After Mr McDermott passed away, a murder investigation was launched by Major Investigation team detectives.

Detective Inspector Miller said:  “Kyle, at just 24 years old, was a young man in his prime when his life was cut short, leaving a family and friends heartbroken.

“A young man’s life has been cut short, and a loving family are now left trying come to terms with their grief. My thoughts are with them at this distressing time.”

Mr McDermott was a son of Stephen and Claire McDermott and worked in the construction industry. He worked as a digger driver and regularly shared clips of his work in TikTok.

“Kyle Mc Dermott, Forever 24,” wrote Strabane-based Independent Councillor Jason Barr in a tribute to his cousin.

“A smile that will never be seen again. Kyle didn’t deserve this.”

Councillor Barr said he is “devastated beyond words” following Mr McDermott’s death.

The PSNI is appealing to anyone who was in the Victoria Road area on Sunday night between 6pm and midnight, or who may have captured CCTV, dash cam or mobile footage, to contact them on 101 quoting reference 1670 of 06/10/24.

Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Brighter Ballymagorry Development Group said it was “saddened” by the news and passed on their condolences to Mr McDermott’s heartbroken family.

Molly Malones Irish bar in Liverpool described Mr McDermott as “a very close friend and loyal customer”.

“To say he left a huge hole in all of our hearts is an understatement. Molly's is heartbroken,” they said in a social media post. “Kyle, may you rest in peace, kid. We will love and miss you dearly.”

Mr McDermott will be waked at the family home in Burt. His funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.