Northern Ireland

Man charged after 29-year-old found dead with stab wounds in east Belfast

Police at Titania Street, off the Cregagh Road in Belfast, following the death of a 29-year-old man. Picture by Ann McManus
Police at Titania Street, off the Cregagh Road in Belfast, following the death of a 29-year-old man. Picture by Ann McManus Police at Titania Street, off the Cregagh Road in Belfast, following the death of a 29-year-old man. Picture by Ann McManus

A 34-year-old man has been charged with murder after the death of a 29-year-old man in east Belfast.

He is expected to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court later today.

The victim was treated for stab wounds at a property in Titania Street, off the Cregagh Road, shortly after midnight yesterday.

He was taken to the city's Royal Victoria Hospital but died a short time later.

Police sealed off Titania Street throughout yesterday as investigations continued.

A 34-year-old man and a 30-year-old man were arrested, the 30-year-old has been released unconditionally.

Alliance councillor Michael Long said it was a "devastating incident" and the community was "in shock".

"Any death in suspicious circumstances is traumatic but the loss of a young man’s life is even more distressing. My thoughts go out to the loved ones of the victim," he said.

Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland said: "This is a dreadful event to happen in what is a quiet residential area and I would like to express my condolences to the dead man’s family."

DUP South Belfast MP Emma Little-Pengelly said it was "terrible news", while her party colleague and East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson tweeted: "I represented Titania Street during 2010-2015 on BCC (Belfast City Council). I know there will be great shock in the community this morning.

"Thoughts and prayers with the family. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to PSNI."

Police have appealed for anyone who was in Titania Street late on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday morning to contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.