Police confirm East Belfast murder victim was 21 year old Reece Leeman

Q Newsdesk

Detectives have confirmed the man who was murdered in East Belfast yesterday was Reece Leeman, from the local area.

The 21 year old was assaulted on Kyle Street and then collapsed on Connsbrook Drive.

Police say he had been stabbed.

He was taken to hospital where he died of his injuries.

Detectives have been given more time to question a 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder.

An 18-year-old man arrested on the same charge was released unconditionally.

The teenager was then re-arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary and robbery and has since been released pending a report to the PPS.

Police say they aren't looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation. 

Detective Inspector Joanne Harris spoke to the media earlier:

WATCH: Police have confirmed the young man who died following a serious assault in East Belfast yesterday was 21 year old Reece Leeman. Detective Inspector Joanne Harris has made this appeal: pic.twitter.com/f2rAUN2JFG

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) 16 March 2019

She said:

"Our investigations continue today and I am following a number of lines of enquiry.  

"At this time, however, I can say we are not seeking anyone else in relation to Reece's death but I do want to make a number of specific appeals in a bid to piece together Reece's movements in the final hours before his untimely death". 

"I know Reece had gone to an address on Kyle Street with another male sometime before 1:50am. Some type of altercation occurred inside the house when Reece was there. He was subsequently discovered collapsed on the street on Connsbrook Drive with stab wounds. "

"I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time. Did you witness the assault on Connsbrook Drive? Did you see Reece leave the house in Kyle Street? "

"I also want to ask anyone who saw Reece, or who spoke with him the day before, or during the early hours of the Friday morning to get in touch with us. I would also ask anyone who saw Reece with another male during these times, if they know his movements prior to Reece's death, to contact us.  "

“No matter how insignificant you think the information you have is, please contact us. Your information could be key to our investigation. "