The RUC has issued the text of all press releases following the attack on Robert Hamill in the early hours of April 27 in Portadown.
Two youths have been detained in hospital with head injuries following a clash between rival factions in Portadown around 1.45am this morning. Police moved in to separate the groups who encountered each other at the junction of Thomas Street and Market Street. Bottles were thrown during the hostilities and police themselves came under attack by a section of the crowd. Order was restored around 3am.
Released on 27 April 1997
One of the youths injured is still detained in hospital. Police at Portadown are anxious to speak to anyone who was in the area of Market Street/Woodhouse Street and Thomas Street between 1am and 2am this morning and who witnessed the incident.
Released on 30 April 1997
A police Land Rover crew in Portadown town centre were alerted to a disturbance and immediately intervened to gain order and prevent assaults. The numbers involved, however, were such that these officers were unable to contain the situation and became themselves the subject of attack. Police reinforcement arrived and calm was restored.
Detectives are continuing their investigations into this very serious assault and disturbance and take this opportunity to make a further appeal for witnesses to contact them at Portadown RUC Station on 332424.
Released on 7 May 1997
Portadown police are renewing their appeal for witnesses to a very serious assault which took place in the town centre, around 1.30am on the morning of Sunday 27 April.
A special team was set up to investigate this incident and a number of people have already been interviewed. It now appears clear that four people, two couples who had left a social event in St Patrick's Hall were set upon by a large crowd. The two men in the group of four were knocked to the ground and viciously beaten. One young man remains very ill.
On separate occasions, during the incident, two men approached the police. One of these men has come forward and the detectives are particularly anxious to speak to the second. They would also appeal to anyone who was in the area of Market Street/Woodhouse Street and Thomas Street between 1am and 2am on the morning of Sunday 27 April to get in touch with the CID on Portadown 332424 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All information will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Released on 8 May 1997
Victim of this sectarian attack died in hospital this afternoon. A murder enquiry has now commenced.
Released on 8 May 1997
Detectives at Portadown have now launched a murder enquiry into the death of Robert Hamill, one of two men set upon by a crowd in Portadown town centre around 1.45am on 27 April. The ACC for the region, Mr Freddie Hall, tonight expressed his deep sympathy to Mr Hamill's family and again called for witnesses to the incident to come forward. He said: "A special team was set up last week to investigate the assault and a number of people have been interviewed. We would still like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Market Street/Woodhouse Street and Thomas Street between 1am and 2am on Sunday 27 April to get in touch with the CID at Portadown 332424 or call the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Mr Hall also stated: "I can assure Mr Hamill's family that my officers will be unrelenting in their search for the culprits."
Released on 9 May 1997
All the circumstances surrounding the death of Robert Hamill in Portadown are being investigated by a Detective Chief Superintendent under the supervision of the Independent Commission for Police Complaints.