A masked man has fired shots over the coffin of a Derry man in the Waterside area of the city.

The shots were over the coffin of the late Billy Browne outside his son’s home in the Mountain View area of Gobnascale.

The armed man emerged from a crowd outside the house on Wednesday night of last week before firing three shots into the air.

According to eye witnesses, the gunman then fired a second automatic burst of around 20 shots.

The gunshots were greeted with cheers and applause by those gathered outside the house.

The masked man then left the scene.

According to local sources, the late Mr Browne, 59, had been a member of the IRA, before leaving to join the Official IRA and then  the INLA.

He served three prison sentences, one of which occurred during the so-called ‘Burning of the Cages’ in 1974 when republican prisoners set fire to the Long Kesh prison camp in protest against the conditions they were being held under.

Born in the Bridge Street area of Derry, Mr Browne was laid to rest following Requiem Mass at St Columb’s Church at Chapel Road on Thursday morning.

During the funeral service, Fr Chris Ferguson described Mr Browne as a man of ‘strong beliefs’ politically who was a ‘republican and a socialist.'

Fr Ferguson also spoke of Mr Browne’s dedication to his partner, Shirley, and his family.

Mr Browne was laid to rest in Ardmore cemetery following the service.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email gareth@derrynews.net at any time.