POLICE are seeking to have the charges against a man, accused of a brutal sword attack in which a veteran UDA man was killed, amended following the death of a second man.
Stanley Wightman (52) sustained critical injuries in the incident in the Belvoir estate on Wednesday that claimed the life of former UDA commander Colin 'Bap' Lindsay.
Albert Armstrong (46) was remanded in custody by a district judge yesterday charged with the murder of the 47-year-old UDA man and the attempted murder of his close friend.
Police said last night they are now seeking to amend the charges to that of double murder.
The two victims were attacked with a samurai sword in the living room of Mr Lindsay's own house on Kirkistown Walk on Wednesday night. Earlier that evening neighbours reported all three men had been drinking in the garden of the bungalow.
Police were alerted to the attack by a member of the public, Mr Lindsay was declared dead at the scene having suffered catastrophic neck injuries. Mr Wrightman who suffered serious neck and arm injures and was rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery. However, he died on yesterday afternoon.
Armstrong, of Mahee Close on the Belvoir estate was arrested on Wednesday night and the murder weapon recovered from a car parked close by. He appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court yesterday, with members of the two victims' families in the public gallery.
Wearing a grey fleece tracksuit top and bottoms, he spoke only to confirm his name, then nodded to acknowledge he understood the charges facing him.
District Judge Des Perry said he was aware the case was "emotive" but warned that any disturbance would force him to clear the court. There was a heavy police presence in the court.
The accused did not lodge a bail application and was remanded the accused in custody to appear in court again, via videolink, on August 7.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Campbell made a further appeal for information saying: "We want to hear from anyone who saw or spoke to Colin Lindsay, Stanley Wightman or Albert Armstrong at any time on Wednesday or who knows anything about their movements.
"We are also appealing for information about the blue Mazda 6 car, registration number FHZ 6126. We want to hear from anyone who saw this car on Wednesday to contact us".
