Detectives were examining a lane from the Falls Road to the Bog Meadow throughout the morning and the scene was cordoned off as forensic officers combed the area for clues.

Details surrounding the man's murder remain uncertain and people in the area - close to Falls Park and Milltown Cemetery - said they were shocked by the news.

One local resident said she heard police at the scene from around 4am.

Sinn Fein MLA Paul Maskey said his thoughts go to the family of the dead man.

"I am very shocked to hear the news that a man has been murdered in the area.

"My thoughts are with the family and hopefully we can resolve this issue as soon as possible.

"Nobody seems to know much at this stage," he said.

SDLP councillor for the Upper Falls area, Tim Attwood, encouraged anyone with information to contact police immediately.

"This is very disturbing news. There are very few details about what happened here but it is a very serious incident and there is deep shock in the local community. Any details that members of the public have relating to this murder should be passed on."

The police said it was too early in their investigations to release any more information.