While the community of Ardglass has rallied around the family of the late Stefan Zait who died in a murder attack last Thursday, police have issued a renewed appeal for witnesses.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch investigating the murder of 45 year old Stefan Zait in Ardglass have renewed their appeal for information one week after he was seriously assaulted.
Detective Chief Inspector Corrigan said: “Stefan was originally from Romania and had been living in Northern Ireland for six years. He was making a living by working on the fishing vessels in Ardglass harbour. His family are devastated and they deserve to know what happened to him.
“Although a 20-year old male suspect has been charged, we are continuing to appeal for information about the circumstances surrounding Stefan’s death. Stefan died on Thursday morning from serious head injuries he sustained during a brutal attack in broad daylight on the morning of Tuesday 22 May.
“From our enquiries, we know that Stefan was attacked outside 1 Lighthouse Cove between 10.30am and 11am on Tuesday 22nd May 2018. I am continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed this attack or anyone who was in the area of Downpatrick Road or Strangford Road on Tuesday morning to get in touch with the investigation team.
“I would appeal to anyone who has captured any footage at the scene, either on devices or on dashcams, to please get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 377 22/05/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Local politicians have already condemned the murder and this evening (Tuesday 29 May) and a cross-community service has been held at the harbour in memory of Stefan.
Speaking at the service, local clergy from local churches and a priest from the Romanian Orthodox Church called for anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward to the police.
The process of the repatriation of Stefan’s remains in now ongoing.
