Bangor B&B Killers Sought

The police have continued to maintain a heavy presence in the seaside town of Bangor as forensic experts probe the scene of this week's murder of a local guesthouse owner.

Officers have already moved guests out of the picturesque three-storey B&B, which overlooks Bangor marina as specialist teams searched the area in detail last night.

Detectives are questioning visitors who were staying at the B&B where William 'Billy' Spence (68) died from multiple stab wounds after he apparently disturbed a burglar at his guest house at Princetown Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Debbie McMaster said that Mr Spence was assaulted and stabbed in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of the Princetown Road anytime between 10pm on Monday night until 7.30am on Tuesday," she said, appealing to anyone who may have seen something or heard something that will help detectives with their enquiries.

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out to establish the exact cause of death, she added.

Revulsion and shock swept through the Co Down community last night after it emerged that the pensioner was brutally beaten and stabbed to death as he made a brave attempt to defend his home.

It is understood that his mutilated body was discovered by his partner, Constance, at the scene around 7.30am yesterday.

Residents described Mr Spence - who owned Tara Bed and Breakfast in the Co Down seaside town for over 18 years - as a kind and popular member of the local community, with no known enemies.

The unmarried 68-year-old victim is understood to have been dividing his time between the B&B and his girlfriend's home in Newprichard before yesterday's tragic events.

It is the second time in as many years that the guest house has been targeted by burglars.

North Down MP, Lady Sylvia Hermon offered condolences to the family.

"I extend my deepest sympathy at what is inevitably an extremely distressing time," she said.

(BMcC)