Hi °C | Lo °C Police were last night continuing to question a man over a brutal murder in County Antrim.
The victim, named locally as William Meeke, was found dead in a burnt-out flat off Causeway Street in Portrush early yesterday morning.
It is understood he suffered head injuries and was found by fire crews who were called to the scene to deal with an arson attack at about 6.15am.
Mr Meeke is believed to be from north Belfast, but had been living in Portrush for some time. His body was last night removed from the house where he died.
The killing has sent shockwaves throughout the close-knit north coast community.
Police said they were working to establish a motive for the attack.
A PSNI spokesman said: "The man's body was found in a flat at Causeway Street following the discovery of a fire at the building around 6.15am on Wednesday June 25.
"Detectives investigating the incident have urged witnesses to come forward.
"They want to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in Causeway Street, between 3.30am and 6.30am.
"They also want to hear from anyone who noticed a scooter in Causeway Street, or from anyone who noticed a motor scooter being abandoned nearby in a laneway leading from Causeway Street to the East Strand. Anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Glenmanus area of the town during this period is also asked to contact the detectives at Coleraine.
"A man arrested in connection with the incident is currently assisting police with their enquiries."
A number of alleyways off Causeway Street were also sealed off and a scooter was removed for forensic examination.
PSNI scenes-of-crime officers continued to comb the area for clues yesterday, while uniformed officers carried out house-to-house inquiries.
East Londonderry Alliance councillor Barney Fitzpatrick has condemned the attack.
He said: "I am appalled at this attack. The authorities will be carrying out a full investigation and I hope they can catch the perpetrator of this heinous act.
"The circumstances surrounding this incident are deeply disturbing. The attack has sent a shudder through the community.
"My thoughts at this time are with the family of the deceased.
"I call on members of the public to give information to the police to ensure they can piece together the events which led to this attack."
Deputy Mayor of Coleraine, William Creelman, said the whole community had been stunned by the grim news.
He said: "The Causeway Street area would be a residential area, quiet enough. There may be some apartments in the area with holidaymakers in them too. It's just down from Barry's amusements.
"It's true to say that people will be shocked. It's a terrible thing to happen to someone. Nothing like this has happened in Portrush for a long time. There needs to be more to deter those who carry out these attacks."
Councillor John Dallat said: "This murder follows closely after the murder of Emmett Shiels in Derry. "As a society we have to ask ourselves if we can allow a culture of crime and casual disregard for human life to develop in our community.
"We must take a stand against those who think that they can get away with these vicious acts.
"They diminish the areas in which we live and damage the goal of communities at peace which we all strive for."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 0845 600 8000, or contact Crimestoppers on freephone 0800 555 111.
