PSNI launch murder inquiry after man found dead in south Belfast

Police have appealed for witnesses to come forward following the murder of a man in south Belfast. The PSNI have arrested a man.

Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway said the body of a man believed to be of Pakistani descent was discovered on Botanic Avenue on Thursday morning shortly after 5am. He is believed to have been stabbed several times.

“We are treating the death as a murder. One man has been arrested and is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries,” he said.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Botanic Avenue early this morning and witnessed the incident, or anyone with any information that could assist this investigation to contact Detectives at Musgrave Police Station,” he said.

There were some local reports that the man arrested was heard shouting and making references to “Allah” shortly before he was detained by the police.

Informed security sources said there was no current suspicion of any fundamentalist Islamic motivation for the killing. It is understood that the arrested man and the victim knew each other.

The area in and around Botanic Avenue was closed off as police continued their inquiries. Police confirmed that two knives were found close to the scene of the murder. They also examined a flat in India Street, which is off Botanic Avenue and close to Queen’s University.

Police said that the arrested man was of African origin.

The SDLP South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell said the killing was a “gruesome and horrifying” crime.

“This was a violent and vicious attack in an area that is home to families and students. It’s my understanding that the victim was subjected to a sustained attack early this morning and died as a result of severe stab wounds,” he said.

Alliance South Belfast MLA, Anna Lo condemned whoever was responsible for the murder. “Local people are shocked at what has taken place. Botanic Avenue is a very popular area visited by many people who will be very saddened by this incident,” she said.

Sinn Féin Councillor Deirdre Hargey expressed her shock at the death and encouraged anyone who could assist the police to come forward.