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 some to his head, 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 — have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody after police were granted a 36-hour extension for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “A murder investigation was launched after a report was received that a man was unconscious inside a flat in the West Street area, just before 1.50am on Thursday, December 26.
“Mark sadly died later in hospital having sustained a number of injuries, including head injuries.
“A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
“Three people — two women, aged 58 and 33, and a man, aged 36 — were arrested on suspicion of murder.
“They all remain in police custody at this time, with detectives being granted a 36-hour extension to question them this afternoon, Friday, December 27.”
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The scene in Newtownards after the murder on Thursday. Pic: Kevin Scott
Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness continued: “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.”
On Thursday, neighbours speaking to the Belfast Telegraph described their shock at what was unfolding in an area they said is normally very quiet.
Alliance Alderman Alan McDowell appealed to the public to come forward with any information. He added: “This is a terrible tragedy and an appalling loss of life.
“Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, peace, and togetherness, and for something so horrific to happen around this time is especially difficult to come to terms with.
“The town is in a state of shock right now. My thoughts and sympathies are with the victim’s family and loved ones at what’s sure to be an unthinkably difficult time. I would implore anyone with any information that may help police in their investigations to please get in touch with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Mr Dorrian, who was known to his friends as Dokey, was well known in the Newtownards area having lived there his whole life. His friends say he had struggled after the deaths of his two sisters.
One of his friends, Ryan Preston, said that Mr Dorrian was a “good friend with a heart of gold” adding that he would have “given you his last fiver”.
Friends say he struggled after his sisters’ deaths and was “too trusting of strangers”. One former school friend, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Dokey would have let people into his house that weren’t really his friends and they would have taken advantage of his good nature.”
“He was just a kind person but probably a bit lonely at times”, they added.
Anyone with information can use 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.