The suspected murder of a man in his flat in Newtownards in the early hours of Boxing Day has left residents reeling and the town in shock.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team launched a murder probe after the man was found unconscious at his home in the West Street area of the Co Down town.
Police discovered the 50-year-old at around 1.50am and despite being brought to hospital for treatment he was later pronounced dead.
Police at the scene of murder in Newtownards
Two women, aged 58 and 33, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.
A 36-year-old man was also arrested in connection to the death later that afternoon.
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.”
Police and forensics at the scene of a murder in a block of flats in West Street area of Newtownards on December 26th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
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.”
Forensics at the scene of a murder in a block of flats in West Street area of Newtownards on December 26th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
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.”