The family of a Belfast man who died three days after being stabbed in the head outside his home are appealing for a police investigation into his death.
Tiernan Rooney (30) was attacked by two men outside his house in west Belfast at around 12.45pm on December 29.
According to police, he was punched a number of times and stabbed in the head “by a blade or pointed object” before the suspects fled on foot.
The dad-of-one received treatment in hospital but died in his sleep on New Year’s Day after complaining of headaches following his discharge.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Tiernan’s cousin Lynsey Rooney called on the PSNI to launch a more thorough investigation into his death and the attack on his doorstep just days earlier.
“We cannot understand why the police have not carried out more of an investigation even though they have been provided with video footage of the attack taking place from a doorbell camera,” she said.
“There has been no appeal alerting people to the attack on him, which may have resulted in his death.
“Sadly now our family is stuck in the terrible position of having to wait months before we truly know the cause of his death and we just want to see the police take action against the vermin who attacked him.”
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Police say they are investigating the incident, with a spokesperson for the PSNI saying: “Police are investigating an assault in the Conway Place area of west Belfast on Sunday afternoon, 29th December 2024.
“It was reported a man, aged in his 30s, was assaulted by two other men on the doorstep of a property.
“He was allegedly punched several times and also stabbed in the head by a blade or pointed object. The two suspects fled the scene on foot – and the victim required hospital treatment for his injuries.
“Enquiries are ongoing to determine who was involved and a motive behind the attack.
“We would appeal to anyone with any information, CCTV or dash-cam footage, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 627 29/12/24.
“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.“
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