Man dies following assault in Ballymena

By Rebecca Black (Press Association)

A man has died following an assault in Ballymena at the weekend.

Police said Christopher “Cricki” Houston, 42, died on Tuesday night after being found unconscious in the Co Antrim town in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller said they believe Mr Houston had been assaulted and issued an appeal for information.

“We can confirm that Mr Christopher Houston, who was 42 years old, sadly passed away last night, and our thoughts are, first and foremost, with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” she said.

“Police received a report at around 5.05am on 19th September of an unconscious male at the junction of Alexander Street and Broughshane Street in the town.

“Officers attended the scene where colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were already providing medical treatment.

“We believe that Christopher, who was also known as ‘Cricki’, had been the victim of an assault and sustained a head injury.

“He was transferred to hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until his untimely death.”

She added: “A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Saturday and subsequently released on bail to allow for further police inquiries.”

“I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch.

“I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Dunfane Crescent or the area of Broughshane Street and Alexander Street in early hours of Saturday morning, and who may have witnessed any altercation involving Mr Houston during that time.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured footage, whether CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam.”

Officers can be contacted on 101 or a report made online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport quoting reference number 210 of 19/09/26.

Christopher "Cricki" Houston  died following an assault in Ballymena.