Murder investigation launched in Mountnorris

THE small community of Mountnorris is reeling this morning after the launch of a murder investigation.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have launched the murder inquiry following the death of a man in Mountnorris.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson speaking yesterday evening said: “Police received a report at approximately 11.30am on Thursday morning, 4th September, of a concern for safety at a property in the Cusher Green area.

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. A man, aged in his 40s, was located deceased at the scene with serious head and facial injuries.

“A 39-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in custody at this time, assisting detectives with their enquiries.

“The local community can expect to see an increased police presence in the Cusher Green area as officers conduct further enquiries into what happened - cordons are also in place this evening.

“Although our investigation is at an early stage, we are working at pace to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and to determine exactly what happened.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist us, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 573 04/09/25.”

Alternatively, you can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/

Alderman Paul Berry said, “I would like to express my shock and deep sadness at the suspected murder in Mountnorris this morning.

“I have been in contact with the PSNI and am aware that someone is in custody. This is a real shock locally in this close knit community in Mountnorris and something which is totally out of character with this peaceful rural hamlet.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased persons family and I would appeal to the community to give any information they have to the PSNI to assist them with this murder enquiry.

Cusher Councillor Keith Ratcliffe said he had spoken with police regarding the ongoing situation in Mountnorris.

He added, “While full details are still emerging, I can confirm that there appears to have been domestic fallout involving men in their 40s, one of whom has tragically died.

“An individual has been arrested in connection with this incident.

“Police have established a cordon in the village.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this tragedy. I would urge everyone to allow the police to carry out their investigation fully and to avoid speculation.”

Newry and Armagh MLA Aoife Finnegan said, “Following news that police are now treating the death in Cusher Green, Mountnorris as a murder investigation, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.

“This is a deeply distressing and shocking development for the local community.

“Police have confirmed that a male has been arrested and remains in custody. They are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this time.

“I am liaising with the police and urge anyone with information to come forward.

“I would ask that the privacy of those affected be respected throughout the investigation.”

Commenting on murder of a man in Cusher Green Mountnorris, Newry and Armagh DUP MLA, William Irwin MLA stated: “This has been a brutal incident by all accounts, the result of which is the despicable murder of a resident, my thoughts are with his family at this very concerning time. 

"The PSNI I understand are engaged in a very thorough investigation of this horrific crime and are establishing the facts surrounding this crime. 

"I would urge anyone who may have information on this crime to contact the Police and assist them with their inquiries. 

"Mountnorris is a quiet peaceful area and the news of this murder has shocked local people who are trying to comprehend what has happened in their neighbourhood. This act of criminal brutality has no place in our society.”

The DUP’s Councillor for the area, Alderman Gareth Wilson said: “This is a deeply concerning incident and I understand that one man is very tragically dead and a murder investigation is now underway. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time. 

"I understand that PSNI officers are currently fully investigating the circumstances of this crime and have sealed off the property. 

"I would ask anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the Cusher Green area of Mountnorris to assist the PSNI with their inquiries.

"Cusher Green is a quiet residential development and this type of shocking incident has obviously very much been met with great shock and concern. Hopefully the justice system can respond quickly and the individual behind this murder can be put behind bars."