The victim has been named locally as Brian Phelan. Credit: NewRayPics.com

A father-of-two has been killed after being stabbed in Newry.

The incident happened in the Carrivekeeney Road area of Newry on Thursday.

The murder victim has been named locally as Brian Phelan, who was in his 30s.

Police are currently treating his death as murder.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested and is currently in custody assisting with police enquiries.

Sinn Fein councillor Roisin Mulgrew said: "The community will be absolutely shocked.

"Knife crime is not something which is common place in our area and this is a time for asking for people to cooperate with the police if they need assistance and also to give the family of the young man time to come to terms with this terrible event."

Expand Close A man has killed in a suspected stabbing incident. Credit: Newraypics.com / Facebook

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Whatsapp A man has killed in a suspected stabbing incident. Credit: Newraypics.com

SDLP MLA Justin McNulty described the area where police reported the incident as having taken place as quiet and residential.

"This has come as a big shock to me, and to the community," he said.

"I would encourage anyone with information to go to police."

Tributes have been paid to Mr Phelan on social media.

Kyle Keenan said: "Hearts broke wakening up to here about Barney Brian Phelan who I've known since I was about 10 and to hear this is just so, so sad. You where always there when i called you no matter what you woulda done anything to help anyone if they where stuck.

"Your a good friend and I will have only but good memories of you."

Detective Chief Inspector Eamon Corrigan has appealed to anyone with any information which could assist detectives with their enquiries to contact them in Newry on 101.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Belfast Telegraph