Murder victim's family 'try to come to terms with devastating loss'

Barry Furfey was found with serious injuries at an apartment building in Wardsborough Road

Police have confirmed the identity of the 42-year-old man murdered in Lisburn.

Barry Furfey was found with serious injuries at an apartment building in Wardsborough Road in the city centre on Monday morning.

He was given medical treatment at the scene and taken to hospital where he later died.

A 38-year-old woman and 37-year-old man have both been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

Det Insp Jill Angus said the two people in custody were "assisting detectives" with inquiries and she appealed for information.

"My thoughts are with Barry's family, who are left to try to come to terms with their devastating loss," she added.

A police cordon was in place on Monday night but has since been removed.

There was minimal police presence at the apartment block on Tuesday morning, with the exception of a police officer seen in the foyer of the building.

Much of the activity on the road appeared to be the footfall of school pupils and people commuting to work.

Friends of the man who died have left flowers at the entrance of the apartment block.

They did not want to be interviewed but described their shock at the news of the incident.

Anthony Henderson said Mr Furfey "seemed to be a lovely fella"

Anthony Henderson, who lives in the same building as Barry Furfey did, said it was "unexpected".

"I know the place had a bit of a bad name at the start, but it is not like that anymore, it hasn't been like that for years," he told BBC News NI.

"It's shocking because everybody is so nice here, you don't hear of stuff like that happening around here at all".

Mr Henderson, who would have spoken to Mr Furfey when he saw him, said he "seemed to be a lovely fella, he would have always stopped to talk to you but I didn't know him personally".

'Fearful' community

The SDLP's Pat Catney said the local community is "fearful that this happened on their doorsteps".

"We have seen far too many violent deaths already this year and the PSNI must be supported to bring those responsible to justice," he said.

Sinn Féin Councillor Declan Lynch told BBC News NI it was "tragic" that a man had died and his "thoughts go out to the family and friends of the victim".

Alliance councillor Nicola Parker said: "I am deeply saddened to learn about this horrifying incident, and my sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time."