Second arrest in Ballycastle murder probe

Detectives investigating the murder of 48-year-old Anthony McErlain have arrested a 50-year-old man this evening in the Ballycastle area.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Jan 2016, 22:21 BST
Updated 30th Jan 2016, 10:40 BST
McAuley Multimedia 29/01/16 Police and Forensic officers at the Murder scene in Broombeg View Ballycastle. Anthony McErlane was murdered in the evening of Thursday 28th January.. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley MultimediaMcAuley Multimedia 29/01/16 Police and Forensic officers at the Murder scene in Broombeg View Ballycastle. Anthony McErlane was murdered in the evening of Thursday 28th January.. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia
McAuley Multimedia 29/01/16 Police and Forensic officers at the Murder scene in Broombeg View Ballycastle. Anthony McErlane was murdered in the evening of Thursday 28th January.. Pic Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

A 33-year-old man arrested in the early hours of the morning in connection with the case remains in police custody.

Mr McErlain suffered a traumatic and frightening death, a senior detective has said.

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His body was discovered in a house in the Broombeg View area of Ballycastle on Thursday night.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Talbot, the senior investigating officer, said: “While we are awaiting the results of a post-mortem, what is clear is that Mr McErlain suffered a traumatic and frightening death.

“I initially described this killing as a heinous crime and I stand by that assessment.”

He added: “The investigation team is extremely keen to speak to witnesses or anyone who may have spoken to Mr McErlain over recent days. We would especially like to hear from anyone who was in the Broombeg area at any time between 5pm and 8.30pm yesterday and who may have witnessed or overheard an altercation or disturbance, in or around number 4 Broombeg View.”

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Assembly member Daithi McKay said Ballycastle had been left in shock.

“This is a terrible tragedy,” said the Sinn Fein representative.

“After speaking to local people this morning it is clear that the victim was well known and well liked in the town.

“That makes this crime all the more senseless.

“Our thoughts and the thoughts of the entire community are with the family at this very difficult time.

“This was a particularly brutal murder and anyone with any information should not hesitate in bringing this forward to the PSNI.”

Related topics:PSNISinn Fein