Divis death being investigated as murder

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have confirmed they are treating the death of a 62-year-old man in west Belfast at the weekend as murder.
Divis Tower on the lower Falls Road area of west Belfast where a 42-year-old man was arrested after a man's body was found in suspicious circumstances. 

Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press EyeDivis Tower on the lower Falls Road area of west Belfast where a 42-year-old man was arrested after a man's body was found in suspicious circumstances. 

Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye
Divis Tower on the lower Falls Road area of west Belfast where a 42-year-old man was arrested after a man's body was found in suspicious circumstances. Picture by Jonathan Porter/Press Eye

The victim was James Hughes from Divis Tower. He was found in his flat on the 14th floor by police after the alarm was raised last night by a member of the public.

A 42-year-old man arrested on Sunday remains in custody and is being questioned at Musgrave police station.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes, from Serious Crime Branch, said: “We are not in a position to confirm a cause of death until a post mortem examination has taken place but we are following a definite line of enquiry.

Police at the Divis Flats on Sunday night.Police at the Divis Flats on Sunday night.
Police at the Divis Flats on Sunday night.

“Although we have a suspect in custody and residents in Divis Tower have been very helpful in providing information as part of our enquiries, we are still appealing for assistance.

“I would ask anyone who was on the 14th, 15th or 16th floors of Divis Tower and heard anything suspicious between the evening of Saturday November 5 and yesterday evening to contact detectives at Musgrave police station on the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Related topics: