28/01/2019

'Highly Regarded' Murder Victim Named As Police Hunt The Killers

A murder investigation is underway after an attack which killed a 45-year-old man in east Belfast.

The victim has been named locally as Ian Ogle, who was assaulted at Cluan Place, just off the Albertbridge Road, at around 9pm on Sunday 27 January.

A local councillor has hit out at those responsible for the murder of the "highly regarded" local man.

Police searches which are believed to be linked to the investigation are taking place on the lower Newtownards Road today, Monday 28.

It is understood Mr Ogle was talking to a friend when he was approached by a gang of around five men and assaulted.

He was rushed to hospital but died following the violent onslaught.

A heavy police presence remains in the area.

East Belfast Ulster Unionist Councillor Sonia Copeland condemned last night's murder.

"I was absolutely shocked to learn of the murder of Ian Ogle last night," she said.

"I have known him for a number of years from involvement in work in and around Cluan Place and I know just how highly regarded he was by his local community and indeed much further afield.  

"I am shocked that anyone should be attacked in this manner, and I urge anyone who can help the police to catch those responsible, to come forward immediately and help them take these dangerous individuals off the streets before another innocent family is put through this type of dreadful ordeal."

Alliance Party leader and MLA for east Belfast, Naomi Long, said news of the murder was "appalling" and urged anyone with information to contact police and help them catch those responsible.



(JG/CM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

07 January 2013
Police Issue Appeal Over Attempted PSNI Murder
The PSNI has issued an appeal to the public regarding the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer and his family at their home in east Belfast on Sunday 30 December. Detectives from Serious Crime Branch want to speak to late night revellers who got taxis in Belfast city centre that weekend.
11 June 2014
Man Arrested Over East Belfast Stabbing
A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the stabbing of a 66-year-old man in east Belfast on Tuesday afternoon. The attack occurred at Wolsey's tackle shop on the Upper Newtownards Road at about 15:30.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
03 October 2022
Murder Investigation Launches Following West Belfast Gun Attack
A man shot dead at a social club in west Belfast has been named locally as Sean Fox. He had been watching the Manchester Derby with friends at the Donegal Celtic FC when two masked men entered and shot him several times. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
04 November 2014
Arrest Over Attempted Murder
Police have arrested a 25-year-old man in on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident on the Limestone Road in north Belfast on Friday night. A 25-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries sustained during the attack, in which a number of people are believed to have been involved.