Three remain in PSNI custody on suspicion of murder as man killed in Newtownards, Co Down, named

Mark Dorrian (50) found unconscious in flat in West Street area of town just before 2am on Thursday died later in hospital

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team, who launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Newtownards, have named the deceased as 50-year-old Mark Dorrian.
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team, who launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Newtownards, have named the deceased as 50-year-old Mark Dorrian. Photograph: PSNI

Detectives in Northern Ireland have named the man killed in Newtownards, Co Down, on Thursday as Mark Dorrian (50).

The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team launched a murder inquiry after Mr Dorrian, who was found unconscious in a flat in the West Street area of the town just before 2am, died later in hospital.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said Mr Dorrian had “sustained a number of injuries, including head injuries. A postmortem examination will take place in due course.”

Two women aged 58 and 33 were arrested at the scene and a man aged 36 was arrested at a nearby property. All three were detained on suspicion of murder.

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“They all remain in police custody at this time, with detectives being granted a 36-hour extension to question them” on Friday afternoon, Mr McGuinness said.

He added: “My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mark’s friends and family. Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances.”

He appealed to anyone with information, “no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101″.

The police said a report could be made using the online reporting form on the PSNI website or anonymously to Crimestoppers.

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran

Marie O'Halloran is Parliamentary Correspondent of The Irish Times