Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team (MIT) have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in east Belfast.

Detective Chief Inspector Duffie, said: “We received a report at around 8.25am on Tuesday, 12th May of an assault in the Holywood Road area, where a number of intruders had entered an apartment building and attacked another male, before making off.

“We believe the assault took place at around 4.45am that morning.

“Officers attended the scene, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and a man in his fifties was subsequently taken to hospital.

“Two people – a 24-year-old man and a 49-year-old woman – were arrested on suspicion of aggravated burglary with intent to commit grievous bodily harm. They were later released on bail, to allow for further police enquiries.

“Sadly, the injured man, 51-year-old Nicholas (Nicky) Gordon, has now passed away and a murder investigation has been launched.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this incredibly difficult time and we are appealing to anyone who was in the Holywood Road area on Tuesday, 12th May and may have seen something, or who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation – including any dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage – to contact detectives on the 101 number, quoting reference 224 of 12/05/26.”

You can also make a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org