Victim, named as Ian Ogle, 45, died after assault in east of city on Sunday night, police say

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man died following what was described as a “horrific” attack in east Belfast.

The victim was named locally as Ian Ogle, 45. He was seriously assaulted on Sunday night, police said. Local representatives said he was highly regarded for his community work.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s serious crime branch began a murder investigation on Monday. The Democratic Unionist party Belfast city councillor George Dorrian tweeted an image of a police cordon near the scene.

George Dorrian (@georgedorrian) Horrific attack at Cluan Place earlier tonight, vital that anyone with info contacts the police immediately. Horrible to think this should happen anywhere and no reason could ever justify what has happened in East Belfast tonight. pic.twitter.com/YeyJZXjNfv

Dorrian said the man was well-known and popular, telling the BBC: “It has been barbaric and the level of violence, the level that was used, was a disgrace.

“People just could not believe the sort of violence that was used upon this man.”

The Ulster Unionist party councillor Sonia Copeland said: “I was absolutely shocked to learn of the murder of Ian Ogle last night.

“I have known him for a number of years from involvement in work in and around Cluan Place, and I know just how highly regarded he was by his local community and indeed much further afield.”

Detectives appealed for anyone with information who was in the area of Cluan Place, Albertbridge Road or Templemore Avenue between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday to make contact.