PSNI Launches Murder Investigation After Nicholas Gordon Dies Following East Belfast Break-In

A murder investigation was launched after 51-year-old Nicholas (Nicky) Gordon died following a break-in at an apartment building in east Belfast, with police saying emergency services were called to the Holywood Road area in the early hours of Tuesday.

“Murder investigation launched after man dies following break-in A murder investigation has been launched after a 51-year-old man died following a break-in at an apartment building in east Belfast”

BBC

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said it received a report at around 8.25am on Tuesday, 12th May, and believed the assault took place at around 4.45am, when a number of intruders entered an apartment building and attacked another male before making off.

BBC

Gordon was taken to hospital after the assault and later died on Saturday, according to police, as detectives continued to examine the circumstances of what happened.

Two people arrested in connection with the investigation—a 24-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman—were released on bail to allow for further police enquiries, while PSNI said it would continue to work at pace to seek others who may be involved.

PSNI Det Chief Insp Duffie said, "We continue to work at pace to seek others who may be involved," as the investigation moved forward after Gordon’s death.

The BBC reported that Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MLA David Brook said incidents like this created "fear" and "worry" in the community, adding that people worry about their own homes and security as well.

The Irish News

Alliance Party MLA Peter McReynolds said the community was in "shock" and that such incidents did not normally happen in the area, while the Irish News quoted him saying he was "deeply shocked" by the incident.

Police appealed for witnesses and for anyone with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the Holywood Road area on May 12 to contact them, and PSNI said it was examining the exact circumstances of what happened.

The Irish News said two individuals arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm were released on bail to allow for further police enquiries, while PSNI continued to examine the exact circumstances of what happened.

“A murder investigation has been launched after a man died following a break-in at an apartment building in east Belfast, police said”

The Irish Times

Police believe the attack took place around 4:45am on the morning of May 12 and appealed for anyone who was in the Holywood Road at the time and who might have relevant information to come forward.

U105 reported that detectives were keen to obtain dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage that could assist the investigation, and it said anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting reference 224 of 12/05/26.

The Times of India also described the case as a fatal robbery attack in East Belfast and said the police service was informed about the incident at 08:25 BST on Tuesday, despite the actual occurrence being around 04:45 in the morning.