A WOMAN arrested as part of the investigation into the murder of James McDonagh is a PSNI officer.

The 33-year-old was detained by officers from the serious crime branch in the Banbridge area of Co Down on Saturday morning.

She was questioned about withholding information "as part of the overall investigation" and later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A spokeswoman for the PSNI has confirmed that the woman is a member of the force.

Mr McDonagh died after an altercation outside The Elk Bar, near Toomebridge, earlier this month.

One man, 24-year-old Finbar McCoy from Loughbeg Road, Toomebridge, has been charged with his murder, which he has denied.

A court heard that Mr McDonagh had been punched in the face and fell backwards, suffering a blow to the back of his head.

A police officer told the court that when charged Mr McCoy said: “I can't put words together to say how sorry I am. I feel so sorry for the McDonagh family but I did not murder James McDonagh."

Mr McDonagh, a member of the Travelling community, was buried on Sunday in Coalisland, Co Tyrone.

During his Requiem Mass Fr Paul Byrne called for no revenge.

“God the father never calls for retribution,” he said.

“He calls for us to forgive even when our deepest instinct is for revenge.

“To be truly Christian is to be truly merciful and giving.”