Downpatrick Stabbing is Condemned
A man was stabbed to death in Church Street in Downpatrick today (Monday 3rd January).
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have now launched a murder investigation after the 28-year-old man died following a stabbing incident in Downpatrick.
Detective Chief Inspector, John Caldwell said: “We believe that the man was stabbed in the Church Street area of the town around 11am today. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
“We have arrested a man in his 30s on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody at this time. I would appeal to anyone with information which could assist in our investigation or who may have dashcam footage to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 497 of 03/01/22.
“A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via:
www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
There was a previous stabbing in a Downpatrick bar on the early hours of 1st January but this is not thought to be connected.
McGrath Says Community Is Shocked Following The Incident
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath has condemned those responsible for a fatal stabbing in Downpatrick. Mr. McGrath said:“I am deeply alarmed to hear of this fatal stabbing incident our town.
“The very vicious, daylight and public nature of this attack is exceptionally chilling and I utterly condemn it.
“It is appalling to hear of this in Downpatrick, and the local community will be understandably shocked.”
There is absolutely no place for knife crime in our community and those responsible should feel the full weight of the law.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family at this time and I would encourage anyone with any further information about this stabbing to come forward to the police as soon as possible.”
Shannon Offers Condolences To Family
Jim Shannon, MP for Strangford, has expressed his deep sympathy to the family of the man killed in Downpatrick.
He said: “This young man was known in Newtownards and worked in the town and indeed attended youth groups in the town many years ago and my heart just goes out to his family to lose their loved one in this dreadful way. The loss of any life is so hard but one so young is difficult to understand.
“I know our the thoughts and prayers of this whole community will be with their family in their grief.”
Ritchie Condemns The Downpatrick Murder
Speaking about the murder of the young man in Church Street, Downpatrick, this morning, Lady Margaret Ritchie said: “My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the young man who lost his life in just traumatic circumstances this morning on Church Street, Downpatrick. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim, his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Death is always difficult, but it is also more challenging when it is the result of a serious incident. This follows on from the stabbing incident in Downpatrick a few days ago. Both incidents are not characteristic of life, society and our community in Downpatrick and understandably the local population in Church Street and the wider town area will be traumatised and appalled by this incident.
“I totally condemn this murder which will be abhorred by all the population in Downpatrick and further afield.
“I would also urge anyone with information to give it to the Police so that those responsible can be apprehended and made subject to the law”.
Police Update: Tuesday 4th January 2022.
A police spokesperson said: “Sadly, despite help from the public and medical assistance from paramedics, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
“A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody at this time.
“We are also aware that some video footage taken of the incident is being shared on social media. I am asking people not to share or view that footage.”
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