Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘MURDERED AND HIS HOME SET ON FIRE’
Brother tells of his horror as police investigate body find
A MURDER probe is set to be launched after a man was killed and his home set on fire.
The body of Laurence Shaw was found at his bungalow yesterday in Larne, Co Antrim. Relatives fear his throat was cut.
The 56-year-old’s brother John said: “We just can’t believe it.”
THE brother of a man found dead in his home said his family have been left shocked and devastated by the suspected murder.
John Shaw spoke after his 56-year-old brother Laurence’s body was discovered at his bungalow in Hillmount Gardens, Seacourt, Larne, Co Antrim, by a friend yesterday afternoon.
Relatives fear his throat may have been slashed and a fire started inside the house.
John said police had been at the scene since around 1.30pm that day. He added: “It’s just so hard. We are shocked.
“He was found by his friend. Police came around 1.30pm and the boy that found him is still at the police station. He has to make a statement.”
Asked if the home had been broken into, he said: “I think his door was open so his friend could come in. He took over mum’s premises when she went into a home about a year ago. We just can’t believe it.”
A number of streets and a children’s play park in front of the home were cordoned off while forensic officers combed the area for clues.
Local Sinn Fein councillor James Mckeown said he had known Laurence nearly all his life. He added: “We grew up on the same estate. He was well-known and well liked around the estate and he will be greatly missed.
“The whole community is in shock. He was well loved and well respected particularly in Seacourt estate and he was well known in Larne.”
Mr Mckeown said Lawrence had not worked since suffering a heart attack a few years ago. He added: “He was an avid football supporter. He would have been well up to date with the football.” He also said it wasn’t the first time the Shaws had suffered a family tragedy – their oldest brother Francis was killed in a car crash some years back.
Neighbours said they too have been left shocked by the incident.
One man said: “It’s just sad. I can’t take it all in – it’s a nightmare.” Another added: “I wouldn’t have thought this was going to happen beside me.”
East Antrim Sinn Fein representative Oliver Mcmullan has condemned those responsible. He said: “This is a horrible crime and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends.
“I knew the victim and his family personally, and they’ve been an integral part of the community in Larne for many years. I appeal to anyone with information to come forward and make it known to the PSNI.”
A police spokesperson said: “Police are currently responding to reports of a sudden death of a man in the Larne area this afternoon. There are no further details at this time.”
Fire and ambulance services were also at the scene this afternoon.
He was well known and well liked..he’ll be greatly missed COUNCILLOR JAMES MCKEOWN YESTERDAY