A Co Down car salesman may have been murdered in his home by thieves during a break-in, it emerged today.
Mr Pat Keenan (60), was found dead at his house in Newry. It is believed there were serious head wounds on his blood-splattered body.
As forensic experts examined the property on Carrive Drive for clues, it emerged that the victim had been burgled twice before. One informed source disclosed: "People think this was another robbery and this time the intruders attacked him."
Mr Keenan, who was separated from his wife, had lived in the house for a number of years. He sold second hand cars from the address, and detectives were trying to establish whether a red Mercedes he drove was missing.
As murder squad officers launched an inquiry, police revealed Mr Keenan was discovered in the house at 8.30 p.m. yesterday.
Investigating officers appealed for anyone who spotted anything suspicious in the area to contact them.