Death of Castledawson man being treated as murder

The death of a man in Toomebridge at the weekend is being treated as a murder, police have said.

Three men, aged 52, 24 and 20, are being questioned by detectives following the incident on the Hillhead Road in the early hours of Sunday.

The dead man has been named as James McDonagh from the Castledawson area.

He died in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on Monday afternoon.

The officer leading the murder investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan, said: “It was reported that at around 2am on Sunday morning an altercation took place outside the Elk Inn. I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact the incident room at Magherafelt on the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, anyone who does not wish to provide their personal details can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”