Murder investigation launched after man dies in Kilkeel

By Jonathan McCambridge (PA)

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in his 60s in Kilkeel, Co Down.

A woman is also being treated for head injuries following an incident at a property in the Newcastle Road area.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

Police said cordons would remain in place in the area as their investigations continue and added it was not being treated as a firearms-related incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “Police received a report of a concern for safety for a couple at a property in the Newcastle Road area of the town shortly after 12.50pm today.

“On arrival, officers located the body of a man who was unconscious and not breathing.

“A woman, aged in her 60s, was also inside the house with serious head injuries.

“Medical treatment was provided to the woman at the scene – and she has since been taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.

“She remains in a stable condition at this time.

“The man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.”

He added: “At approximately 2pm, officers detained and arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.

“He remains in custody at this time, assisting officers with their inquiries.”

Mr Kelly said police inquiries remain ongoing to determine what happened.

He added: “However, at this time, we are not treating this as a firearms-related report.”

Newry, Mourne and Down Chief Inspector Lynne Corbett said the Kilkeel and wider Mourne community will “feel both shocked and saddened by what has happened today”.

She added: “Our thoughts are with the family as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy at this time.

“Please be reassured that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.

“Cordons remain in place this evening as our inquiries continue.

“I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference 739 21/03/24.”

DUP South Down MLA Diane Forsythe said her thoughts and prayers are with those affected.

In a social media post, she said: “Devastating news today in Kilkeel.

“Thoughts and prayers are with the families.

“Please respect their privacy at this already difficult time.”