Northern Ireland

Three teenagers held over Meli murder released

Murder victim Christopher Meli
Murder victim Christopher Meli

THREE teenagers arrested in connection with the murder of Christopher Meli were released on bail yesterday pending further enquiries.

The two girls, aged 17 and 16, and a 17-year-old boy were held on Tuesday evening following the father-of-one's death on December 12.

Mr Meli, from the Sliabh Dubh estate in west Belfast, was beaten to death on a pathway at Glasvey Close in Twinbrook.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Annunciation in New Barnsley at noon on Monday.

Stephen McCann (18), of Bearnagh Glen in Andersonstown, Lee Smyth (18) of Colinbrook Gardens in Dunmurry, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named because of his age, all appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Tuesday charged in connection with the murder.