South Belfast murder victim named

The man who was found murdered near playing fields in south Belfast on Sunday has been named.

He was 30-year-old Ian Samuel Flanagan of Donegall Avenue in Belfast. Mr Flanagan was originally from Keady in Co Armagh.

The body was found at 8am on Sunday morning behind a hockey pitch close to Queen's playing fields. Police have revealed that the victim had suffered massive head injuries. The man leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Roy Suitters, said it was a "truly horrific crime".

He added: "That someone could do that to another human being is unbelievable, it is a fairly major attack. This person has suffered very major head injuries probably caused by an iron bar or something like that. There is no sign of any gunshot wounds and it is probable that blunt trauma has caused the injuries.

Mr Flanagan was last seen leaving his home at teatime on Saturday evening. Detectives, who have not yet established a motive for the attack, are hopeful that guests and staff attending a function in the nearby Malone House may have information relating to the murder.

So far detectives have established that a red BMW car which was found in the car park close to the crime scene belonged to the victim.

Police would like to hear from anyone who could help piece together Mr Flanagan's movements to contact them on 028 9065 0222.

Elsewhere, an 18-year-old man was injured in a paramilitary-style beating in Co Antrim.

The man received severe bruising to his arms and legs after he was beaten by a group of five men armed with baseball bats. The men forced their way into a house in Longfield Gardens in Greenisland at 10pm last night where they carried out the attack. Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

(GMcG)