Police quiz pair after man’s body discovered in flat

Police quiz pair after man’s body discovered in flat

12 December 2018

TWO men remained in custody last night after detectives were given more time to probe the circumstances surrounding the weekend murder of Padraig Fox in Newcastle.

Mr Fox’s body was discovered in a flat at the Burrendale Park Road last Saturday afternoon with police subsequently arresting two men, one aged 26 and the other aged 21, in connection with the killing.

Yesterday afternoon, senior detectives from the PSNI’s major investigations team were granted an additional 12 hours to question the 21 year-old.

Neighbours have paid tribute to Mr Fox who is understood to have been a keen volunteer with a local charity supporting people who were addicted to drugs.

One neighbour described the 29 year-old as a “vulnerable young man” who is believed to have moved to Newcastle from Castlewellan a number of months ago.

Other Burrendale Park Road residents — who have been left shocked at what happened and have expressed concern about ongoing anti-social behaviour at the sprawling estate — have described how CCTV cameras installed at their homes showed Mr Fox arriving home around 6.15am with a number of men last Saturday.

“They left within three hours and then the next thing Paddy was found dead,” said one neighbour. “It is disgusting to think that he was left alone like that.”

Another resident who lived in the same block of flats paid tribute to Mr Fox and said he never got into trouble and “never drank alcohol”.

He continued: “I always kept an eye on him, he was a very vulnerable young man. He was a good kid who would do anything for anyone. He did not deserve this.”

The resident also offered his condolences to Mr Fox’s mother, Marie, who, he revealed, was a regular visitor to her son’s new home.

“She should have been looking forward to helping her son celebrate Christmas in his new home but now she’s getting ready to bury him,” he added.

A mother-of-four said her 14 year-old daughter was left badly shaken and unable to sleep as a result of the horrifying weekend incident.

“It is a terrifying thing for a teenager to take in,” she said. “Padraig had a heart of gold and made many new friends, despite only being in the area a short time. He went out of his way to help people and everyone had a wee soft spot for him.”

Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna said police received a report at 1.45pm last Saturday that the body of a man had been discovered at a flat at the Burrendale Park Road area.

He confirmed that following a post mortem examination, the death of the 29 year-old was being treating as murder.

Political condemnation has been led by South Down MP Chris Hazzard, who said the local community had been left “shocked and saddened” at the death.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young man,” he said. “It’s a terrible loss to endure at anytime of the year, but especially in the mouth of Christmas.

“The entire community in Newcastle is deeply saddened by the news and many are obviously still in shock at the circumstances.”

The MP added: “I would appeal to anybody with any information to come forward and assist the PSNI with their ongoing investigations.” 

Police remain keen to hear from anyone who may be able to to assist them.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact detectives using the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference number 712 of 08/12/18.

Information can also be passed anonymously using the independent Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.