Police have named the victim at the centre of a murder investigation in Newtownards.
Mark Dorrian (50) died in hospital having sustained a number of injuries, including head injuries, after he was found unconscious inside a flat in the West Street area just before 1.50am on Thursday.
Three people – two women, aged 58 and 33, and a man, aged 36, who were arrested on suspicion of murder – remain in police custody at this time, with detectives being granted a 36 hour extension to question them this afternoon.
Det Chief Insp McGuinness said: “My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mark’s friends and family.
“Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances. I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101. Please quote reference 98 of 26/12/24.
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”
On Thursday, neighbours speaking to the Belfast Telegraph described their shock at what was unfolding in an area they said is normally very quiet.
One woman expressed her shock as police looked for clues less than a minute from her front door.
“It’s absolutely out of order for around this area,” she said.
Another neighbour said he had been walking home that night from the pub after a Christmas Day pint, remarking that “there wasn’t a soul around”.
The man recalled hearing loud banging from the direction of Corry Street in the early hours of Thursday.
He said: “I had fallen asleep on the sofa and I heard noise about three o’clock in the morning.”
A suspect was subsequently arrested in the Corry Street area after a home was raided later on Boxing Day.
The neighbour added: “It’s sad to hear that someone’s lost their life, especially at Christmas. The traffic is usually the only problem around here, it’s fairly quiet.” A neighbour who lived close to the raided home said they didn’t know much about the person who was arrested.
“I didn’t know him, I don’t even know if he had family or anything. He had a few acquaintances come and go.”
“It’s terrible. It’s very quiet around here you wouldn’t normally get anything like that.”
“I guess nowadays you never know.”
Newtownards councillor Alan McDowell called the incident a “terrible tragedy.”
Councillor McDowell said: “I think it’s a terrible tragedy to happen, especially over Christmas.
“I don’t know much of the details but I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward to the police.” A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are working to establish the full circumstances around this deplorable incident.
“Cordons remain in place and local residents will see a visible police presence in the area.”
The PSNI spokesperson continued: “Of course, it’s particularly shocking that this should happen at Christmas and we know that the thoughts of our community will be with this man’s family and friends today.
“I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 98 of 26/12/24.”