RESIDENTS of a guesthouse in Ballymena have spoken of their shock after the 67-year-old owner of the property was stabbed to death.
Inayat Shah ran the Traveller's Rest on the Galgorm Road, close to Ballymena train station and a short distance from the PSNI station.
Police were called to the property shortly after 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon.
A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and remained in police custody last night.
On Sunday a laneway down the side of a row of properties was still sealed off and officers were at the rear.
Mr Shah's family members had gathered at the Traveller's Rest but did not wish to comment.
It is understood Mr Shah lived in the Traveller's Rest where there are normally around twenty residents.
Seamus Mulholland (77), who has lived at the guesthouse since last November, described Mr Shah as "a real gentleman".
He added: "I'm shocked, he was a real gentleman, he treated me well, I couldn't have got better and I have been in a lot of houses like this and this is the best one I have been in."
Ian Armstrong, who runs a nearby shop, said: "It is very sad, he was a very pleasant man, a gentleman.
"He maybe would have come over here once a week with the grandkids buying them sweets and stuff."
Hundreds of tributes were also paid to Mr Shah on social media.
One said: "At first he was my landlord….after that my friend….he was my coach….he motivated me and my husband to buy the house….he was real friend….I’m so shocked."
Another added: "A lovely man who helped other people."
North Antrim TUV MLA Jim Allister said the "brutal murder in Ballymena in a place of shelter for many vulnerable people is quite appalling".
He added: "To find the man who provided this facility fall victim to vicious knife crime is truly shocking.
"The swift police action and arrest is welcome. Condolences to the bereaved family."
Ballymena Alliance councillor Patricia O’Lynn said: "I would offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the man murdered in the Galgorm Road area of Ballymena.
"The police investigation is at a very early stage and I would urge anyone with information about this tragedy to pass it to the police as soon as possible."
Although the Traveller's Rest is described as a B&B it is an address where many people attending court have been bailed to over the years.
There have been a number of incidents at the property in recent years where Mr Shah had been assaulted and often racially abused.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “Shortly after 3.30pm police received a report that a man had been stabbed in a property on Galgorm Road.
“Police responded but despite the efforts of emergency services the 67-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene."
A 36-year-old man was also taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
Det Ch Insp Montgomery appealed for anyone with information to contact officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
