Basil McAfee: Renewed appeal 10 years after vicious murder

Police have made a renewed appeal for information on the 10th anniversary of Basil McAfee's murder.

The 50-year-old's body was found by his mother at his house in north Belfast on 20 December 2013.

Police said he was beaten on the head with a sharp object and then stabbed. A £20,000 reward is being offered by the charity Crimestoppers.

Det Ch Insp Rachel Wilson said Mr McAfee's family are "tortured with thoughts of how their loved one died".

"Their run-up to Christmas - a happy time for many - is once again full of sadness," she said.

"This was a cruel attack, and one which shocked an entire community."

Mr McAfee had suffered a "shockingly violent and vicious death", the detective chief inspector added, and appealed to those with information to search their conscience.

Specific appeal

Detectives also are keen to speak to two women who may have information which could assist the investigation.

It's believed they took a taxi from licensed premises on the Dublin Road in south Belfast at about 23:00 GMT on 18 December, Det Ch Insp Wilson said.

They were then dropped off at Henderson Avenue off the Cavehill Road before making their way into Mr McAfee's home.

A spokesperson from Crimestoppers said it could guarantee those with information "complete anonymity".