Victim of fatal west Belfast stabbing named
Shane Lowry died after a stabbing incident in west Belfast
- Published
A man in his 30s who died following a stabbing in west Belfast has been named as Shane Lowry.
It happened in Mulberry Park in Twinbrook at about 20:15 BST on Thursday as children were playing on the street.
Another man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said a possible link between this incident and a fire at residential premises nearby is one line of enquiry.
Officers remained at the scene of the stabbing on Friday morning and cordons are in place.
A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the incident in Twinbrook
The blaze occurred in a flat on the Stewartstown Road in Dunmurry on Thursday.
The fire, which is being treated as arson, happened before 19:35 BST.
No one was inside the property at the time but the block of flats was evacuated as the fire was extinguished.
Police officers remain at the scene of the fire and are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.
Children witnessed stabbing 'aftermath'
A woman, who has chosen to remain anonymous, told BBC News NI that her daughter was playing outside with other children at the time of the stabbing.
"She screamed and I ran out to get her and there were police everywhere. So they didn't see it actually happen but they witnessed the aftermath of it," she said.
"It's not fair on the kids and then that poor family now have lost somebody."
The woman said her daughter stayed awake during the night because of what she saw.
"They shouldn't have to witness stuff like this so young," she added.
Speaking of the aftermath as emergency services arrived at the scene she said: "Everybody was out, because all the kids were out so then all the mummys were out looking the kids and getting them.
"There was just police everywhere, we seen the ambulance drive around but there was heavily armed police out.
"This is a quiet lovely area normally. It is just shock."
Police have cordoned off an area of Mulberry Park
Claire Quinn, BBC News NI, at the scene
A large police cordon is in place outside a convenience store and a large group of houses where the stabbing is alleged to have occurred.
The community is waking up in shock as they come to terms with what has happened on their doorstep.
Children are still playing in their front gardens and their parents have said they are just grateful their children were inside when the incident happened.
People are continuing to go about their business - going to the shop, cutting the grass, and walking their dogs - but the shock in the community is obvious.
'Absolutely tragic'
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker said there was shock and sadness in the local community.
Baker said: "This is absolutely tragic, and I want to extend my thoughts and condolences to the deceased man's family and friends."
He urged the public not to speculate and allow the police to continue their investigations.
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said he was "deeply saddened to hear about the tragic passing of a Twinbrook resident".
"Everyone has the basic right to live in peace and safety in their own home," he added.
"My thoughts and condolences are with the victim, his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time."
Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker said there was shock and sadness in the local community
SDLP councillor Paul Doherty said his thoughts were "with the loved ones of the deceased and everyone who has been affected by this incident".
Doherty said: "Nobody wants to wake up to something like this on their doorsteps, but I would ask people to support police as they carry out their investigation into what happened here."