Tribute to 'quiet and decent' man

Constable Stephen Paul Carroll, 48, was killed by dissident republicans

A former colleague of Constable Stephen Carroll has paid an emotional tribute to the murdered officer, describing him as a "good, honest, decent guy".

Constable Carroll, 48, was shot dead by the dissident republican Continuity IRA as he answered a call in Craigavon on Monday night.

Ex-police chief superintendent Brian McCargo said his friend - a man he had known for about 20 years - had simply wanted to help the community.

Mr McCargo knew the murdered officer through their work on the committee of the Police Athletic Club.

Describing him as a good athlete, he added: "(He was) always willing to help, always the first to put his hand up and volunteer to help you.

"He never courted publicity, never was the centre of attention, and he, more than anybody, would be surprised today that he is the now centre of attention throughout the world."

I keep thinking over in my mind the quiet individual he was and I never thought I would see this day

Brian McCargo
Former colleague

Constable Carroll had joined the police during the Northern Ireland Troubles, and, according to Mr McCargo, was well aware of the dangers.

"Stephen is the sort of guy who did well in policing, who related to the community, who wanted to do something for the community," he said.

"The chief constable made it clear last week that police officers' lives were on the line, so Stephen and all the others know what they are doing. They knew the dangers they were going to face, and they keep continuing to do it.

"We are united in one thing, that's against terrorism and against criminality and the finger today should be pointed clearly at the people who carried out this atrocity.

"They are mad, murdering, mindless morons who have no place in a normal society."

He said Constable Carroll had always been determined to stand shoulder to shoulder with his colleagues when fellow police officers were murdered over the years.

"I keep thinking over in my mind the quiet individual he was and I never thought I would see this day," added Mr McCargo.

He said Constable Carroll, a Catholic, who had been due to retire within 12 months, was a man who "wanted a future for his wife and his children".