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Damien Edgar

Families appeal on 25th anniversary of murder of RUC officers John Graham and David Johnston

The families of two murdered RUC officers have appealed for information on the 25th anniversary of their deaths.

Constable John Graham and Reserve Constable David Johnston were shot dead while on patrol in Lurgan on June 16 1997.

Gunmen ran up behind the officers and shot them at close range on Church Walk in the town.

Read more: Troubles, courage and controversy: RUC marks 100 year anniversary

Constable Graham from Richhill, was 34 and had three daughters aged 10, seven and two, while Reserve Constable Johnston, 30, was from Lisburn and had two sons aged seven and three.

The PSNI's Legacy Investigations Branch said said the murders left five young children without fathers.

Constable Graham's daughter Abbie said her father had got up to go to work that morning and "never came home".

John Graham with Rebecca Graham and her younger sister Abigail (Supplied)

"I can’t begin to describe the devastation of losing a parent at such a young age, I can’t tell you how hard it is to watch your own mothers’ heart break before you," she said.

"What I can tell you, is that one of the only hopes we have to this day is that whoever committed this crime could be brought to justice.

"All I can do, is ask, or even beg, that anyone with any information, no matter how small, or seemingly insignificant to please come forward and help us.

"We needed our daddy then and we still need him today, but right now we also need you, so please, please help us to get justice for our dads.”

John with wife Rosemary and daughter Rebecca (Supplied)

Louise, son of David Johnston, said five seconds of brutality had taken their dad away.

"Dad was moved with compassion to serve the local community, was full of love, and was loved by his family deeply," he said.

"His heart was so big there was room for everyone inside of it, his laughter infectious, his smile warm.

"Sadly, this was left vacant from his children growing up, and now the same heartache repeats for his grandchildren as well.

"We ask anyone with information to please come forward and help us once again change the course of our family’s history as we seek justice.”

David Johnston at Christmas with his sons (Supplied)

Detective Superintendent Stephen Wright from Legacy Investigation Branch said: "The gunmen, who may have been disguised by wearing wigs, are believed to have made their escape in a green coloured Rover 216 car, VRM YIJ 2371 that was later found burnt out in the Kilwilke Estate in the town.

“My appeal today is aimed at the local people of Lurgan who were in the area of Church Walk on the day of the murders.

"I believe that someone must have seen the gunmen before or after the attack or will know who these individuals were. Did you see them make their escape after the attack?

"Did you see the green coloured Rover car in the vicinity of Church Walk or being abandoned and set on fire in the Kilwilke Estate?"

He went on to say that people should search their consciences and that it was not too late to come forward with information.

Those wishing to provide information can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101 or LIBEnquiries@psni.pnn.police.uk.

Reports can also be submitted online online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contacted online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Read more: 71-year-old Lurgan man wins volunteering award for inspiring young people for 20 years

Read more: Lurgan mum finds peace through art after son dies in motorbike and tractor collision

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