Northern Ireland

Ian Ogle (45) named as man killed in 'barbaric' east Belfast attack

Ian Ogle had acted as a spokesperson for the loyalist community living at the Cluan Place interfaces 
Ian Ogle had acted as a spokesperson for the loyalist community living at the Cluan Place interfaces  Ian Ogle had acted as a spokesperson for the loyalist community living at the Cluan Place interfaces 

A man who died following a serious assault in east Belfast has been named locally as Ian Ogle.

Police launched a murder investigation after the 45-year-old was killed in Cluan Place off the Albertbridge Road at around 9pm last night.

Mr Ogle was well known in the area and had acted as a spokesperson for the loyalist community living at the Cluan Place interface. He was also involved in negotiations around the controversial bonfire in the area and was a member of the Ulster People’s Forum, a group set up during the 2012 loyalist flag protests.

The attack was not thought to be sectarian in motive and there is a heavy police presence in the area as police investigate the murder.

Read more: UVF says murder was 'not in the name of loyalism or the UVF'

White boilersuit-clad police forensics officers searched the nearby Bridge Community Garden for clues, churning the soil using specialist equipment.

UUP councillor Sonia Copeland, posted on Facebook last night, that she was “ just home from giving support to a broken family this evening, whose loved one was slain down by those who have nothing to offer society”. Ms Copeland said the murder victim was a father of two.

DUP councillor George Dorrian, who knew the victim, said he had been told the man was beaten by a group of people in a "barbaric attack".

The councillor tweeted: "Horrific attack at Cluan Place. Horrible to think this should happen anywhere and no reason could ever justify what has happened in east Belfast."

He said he was well-known and popular.

Mr Dorrian told the BBC: "It has been barbaric and the level of violence, the level that was used, was a disgrace."

He added: "The focus at the minute has just been the level of violence, the level of what has occurred here, people just could not believe the sort of violence that was used upon this man."

Detectives appealed for anyone with information to make contact.

Presbyterian minister and senior Orangeman Mervyn Gibson at the scene in Cluan Place, east Belfast as police continue to investigate a man's death. Picture by Mal McCann 
Presbyterian minister and senior Orangeman Mervyn Gibson at the scene in Cluan Place, east Belfast as police continue to investigate a man's death. Picture by Mal McCann  Presbyterian minister and senior Orangeman Mervyn Gibson at the scene in Cluan Place, east Belfast as police continue to investigate a man's death. Picture by Mal McCann 

Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Cluan Place, Albertbridge Road or Templemore Avenue between 9pm and 9.45pm last night who may have any information which could assist us with our inquiries to make contact on 101 quoting reference number 1303 of  27/1/19. I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in any of these areas and have dashcam footage to contact us.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Mr Ogle was well known in the area and had acted as a spokesperson for the loyalist community living at the Cluan Place interface. He was also involved in negotiations around the controversial bonfire in the area and was a member of the Ulster People’s Forum, a group set up during the 2012 loyalist flag protests.