Forensic experts step up search in murder probe
By Jonathan McCambridge, Belfast Telegraph

Forensic experts were today stepping up their search at a flat in Dundonald where a 40-year-old man was murdered.

The victim's body was discovered in his home in Gleneagles Gardens on the Ballybeen Estate in Dundonald by police at 3pm yesterday.

The victim has been named locally as Davy Hamilton, who worked at the Ulster Hospital.

It is understood the alarm was raised by his brother after he failed to turn up for work yesterday.

It is believed the victim's body may have lain in the house for several hours before it was discovered.

The scene at the block of flats remains sealed off this morning and detectives are expected to continue their examination of the scene for most of the day.

Forensic teams spent several hours searching the surrounding area by torchlight last night.

Neighbours said they saw police remove a television set from the flat yesterday evening.

A police spokeswoman said they are treating the incident as murder but she did not comment on how the man died, although it is believed he suffered serious head injuries.

Local Independent councillor, Frankie Gallagher, said he knew the victim.

"He worked up in the hospital and had a younger brother. I totally condemn what has happened and think it is appalling that a young man should lose his life in this way.

"From what I have heard he was quite badly beaten. I think it is vital that everyone in the Ballybeen Estate co-operates fully with police."

David Drysdale, the Ulster Unionist deputy mayor of Castlereagh, added: "I think it is very sad for something like this to happen at any time, but the tragedy is increased at this time of year so close to Christmas.

"It is very upsetting for the people of the area which was starting to present a good image. This brutality has done nothing to improve that."


(06.12.2004)

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