Detectives in Northern Ireland have named the man killed in Newtownards, Co Down, on Thursday as Mark Dorrian (50).
The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team launched a murder inquiry after Mr Dorrian, who was found unconscious in a flat in the West Street area of the town just before 2am, died later in hospital.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said Mr Dorrian had “sustained a number of injuries, including head injuries. A postmortem examination will take place in due course.”
Two women aged 58 and 33 were arrested at the scene and a man aged 36 was arrested at a nearby property. All three were detained on suspicion of murder.
‘Bloodied but not bowed’: Connemara’s Misunderstood Heron food truck announces sudden closure
Leaving Cert student killed after car entered river in Co Tipperary named
Catriona Carey and brother Jack Carey sent forward for trial on company law charges
Protest held as US judge arrested and charged with obstructing immigration operation
“They all remain in police custody at this time, with detectives being granted a 36-hour extension to question them” on Friday afternoon, Mr McGuinness said.
He added: “My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mark’s friends and family. Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.”
He appealed to anyone with information, “no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101″.
The police said a report could be made using the online reporting form on the PSNI website or anonymously to Crimestoppers.
- Sign up for push alerts and have the best news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone
- Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date
- Listen to our Inside Politics podcast for the best political chat and analysis