BANBRIDGE MURDER PROBE ONE ARREST AFTER MAN IN HIS 50s FOUND DEAD IN HOUSE
POLICE last night launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in Banbridge.
The body of the victim, named locally as Richard Scullion, was found at a house in Millmount Court at 4.50pm on Monday.
Police initially described the death as suspicious, but last night confirmed they were treating it as murder.
No details have been released.
Detectives arrested a 28-yearold man in connection with the death and he remained in custody yesterday.
It is believed Mr Scullion, who is understood to have been in his 50s, was originally from Belfast but had moved to the Co Down town in recent years.
Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan, who is leading the murder investigation, said he was keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Millmount Court on the evenings of Friday, July 6 and Saturday, July 7 and who noticed anything suspicious.
He urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting reference 1000 09/07/18 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Local politicians voiced their shock at the killing in what is a quiet residential area.
Upper Bann DUP MLA Carla Lockhart offered her condolences to Mr Scullion’s family.
“It is very sad when someone loses their life and in circumstances which require further investigation,” she said.
“I am sure the family would want some privacy to mourn the loss of their family member and our thoughts are very much with them at this sad time.
“I have ongoing communication with the PSNI locally and they have assured me that this is an active investigation into this death.
“I would appeal for anyone who may have information to come forward and report it to the PSNI.”
Local UUP councillor Glenn Barr added: “The property is located in a quiet area where things like this don’t really happen.
“The Banbridge community has been completely shocked by this news.”
He said that people were still reeling from the death of Gary Hamilton (27), an Armagh motorcyclist who was killed in collision on the town’s Castlewellan Road on Sunday morning.
Mr Barr extended his deepest sympathies to the family of Mr Scullion.
Banbridge SDLP councillor Seamus Doyle said that news of his death on Monday has had a profound impact on people in the town.
“There is real shock and sadness in Banbridge following the death of a man in Millmount Court,” he said.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of my colleagues are with the man’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”
He added: “I would urge anyone who has any information about Mr Scullion’s death to contact the police or Crimestoppers.”