‘It’s grim’: Second fatal stabbing in NI since Monday brings shock to residential street in Bangor

It follows the unconnected killing of Newtownabbey woman Kathleen 'Katie' Brankin (37), who was stabbed to death at a holiday accommodation site in Limavady on Monday evening.

Residents living in Bangor's Beatrice Road spoke of shock at the "grim" news of the latest death.

A 35-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder by the PSNI.

It is understood both men resided at the terraced property, which is believed to house separate living accommodation for a number of residents.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Latest PSNI figures show that nearly 700 crimes involving knives or a sharp instrument were recorded in Northern Ireland over the past 12 months to March this year.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said he witnessed a man entering the property just hours before the stabbing was reported to police.

"It was around 6.30pm and I said hello to him," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

The man then heard what he described as a "commotion" around midnight.

"I was in bed, and I stuck my headphones on. With people leaving pubs, it's not unusual to hear people walking down the street at night," he explained.

The quiet street, nestled between the town centre’s now closed Flagship Centre and within walking distance of Ward Park, was in a sombre mood yesterday.

Some residents briefly gathered in small groups to reflect on the shocking incident, while others politely declined to speak to the media.

When the Belfast Telegraph visited the scene, police vehicles were parked close to the house, which had been cordoned off with police tape.

Reflecting on the stabbing, a resident added: "It's grim. It's a strange one. This is a quiet street. At nighttime, you can hear at a bit of sound with people coming and going but there's families living here and older people.”

North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne has expressed his shock following the incident.

“The news that a man has been stabbed to death in Bangor has sent real shock waves through the local community,” he said.

“This area is a quiet residential area within the town centre of Bangor and local people are understandably very alarmed at waking up to this shocking news.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information to contact the PSNI immediately on this horrific attack and my thoughts are with the victim’s family.”

Alliance Party MP Stephen Farry said there was “shock and sadness at yet another senseless death”.

He added: “While the police have made an arrest, there remains an ongoing murder investigation. And anyone with any information should come forward.”

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw confirmed that a police probe has been launched.

“We received a report, just after midnight, that a man in his 50s had been attacked at a property on Beatrice Road. Officers attended but sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” she said.

“A murder investigation is now underway and we would appeal for witnesses or those with information to please call us on 101, quoting reference 23 14/07/21, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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