Northern Ireland

Police investigating murder of Inayat Shah issue appeal for witnesses

Inayat Shah (67) was the owner of the Traveller's Rest guesthouse on the Galgorm Road. Picture from Facebook
Inayat Shah (67) was the owner of the Traveller's Rest guesthouse on the Galgorm Road. Picture from Facebook Inayat Shah (67) was the owner of the Traveller's Rest guesthouse on the Galgorm Road. Picture from Facebook

POLICE investigating the murder of Inayat Shah in Co Antrim have issued an appeal for witnesses.

Mr Shah (67) ran the Traveller's Rest on the Galgorm Road in Ballymena.

Police were called to the property on Saturday shortly after 3.30pm following reports that a man had been stabbed.

Mr Shah died at the scene.

A 51-year-old man has appeared in court charged with his murder.

Michael Lenaghan of Galgorm Road was also charged with making threats to kill another man and wounding a third person with intent to commit grievous bodily harm.

In an appeal for information today, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: "Our investigation into the murder of Inayat Shah continues and I would like to make a specific appeal at this time to a man and woman who spoke with security staff at the front sangar of Ballymena PSNI station on Saturday afternoon.

"The man and woman, who were accompanied by a small child, spoke briefly to security at around 3.30pm.

"I am appealing today for them to get in touch with us so we can determine if they have any information which could assist us with our investigation."