Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TWO HELD AS BODY FOUND
PSNI launch murder probe after attack
POLICE have arrested two people on suspicion of murder after the body of a man was discovered in an alleyway.
Officers were alerted by a member of the public to a commotion in an alleyway behind Little Diamond in the Bogside area of Derry shortly before 3am yesterday.
When they arrived they found the male with “significant injuries to his head and body”.
A 35-year-old woman and a 51-yearold man were arrested on suspicion of murder and the area remained sealed off for most of the day while forensic teams carried out an investigation.
A tent was erected over the body of the man, who was found just yards from a children’s play park.
People attending Mass at St Eugene’s Cathedral, which was inside the police cordon, were asked to pray for the victim.
One local resident, who did not wish to be identified, said the entire community were in shock.
She added: “We just woke up to the street being cordoned off.
“We didn’t know what happened until the news filtered through.
“There is unbelievable shock, this street is so quiet usually.
“Everyone is so upset. It’s the poor family of this man we feel so sorry.
“We are praying hard for them. At this time of year especially, nobody needs to go through this. It is just awful something like this could happen. Our prayers are steady for them.”
SDLP Assembly member Mark H Durkan said the thoughts of the community were solely with the family of the man who died.
He added: “The city has woken up to the awful news a man has lost his life in the Bogside.
“And while there is shock and horror across the city, it pales in comparison to what that man’s family must be feeling this morning. To wake up to that news is just unimaginable. Our thoughts and prayers of the whole Derry community are with the family today.”
Earlier Detective Chief Insp Eamonn Corrigan appealed for information on the incident.
He said: “The man has sustained significant injuries to his head and body and a postmortem is due to take place to determine the cause of death.
“I am appealing for anyone who was in the Creggan Street or Little Diamond area of the city late last night or early this morning and who witnessed anything or anyone who has any information that can assist with my investigation to contact detectives on 101.
“A 35-year-old woman and 51-year-old man were arrested in the city on Sunday on suspicion of murder and are in police custody. Alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100%
anonymous.”
DERRY YESTERDAY