A murder enquiry has been launched after the bodies of a man and woman were discovered in a flat in Kinnaird Close in north Belfast yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 December).
Police have named the victims as 37-year-old Frances Murray and Joseph Dutton who was 47. It’s understood an altercation took place in the flat where Frances and Joseph were found. Police want to locate a bag of blood-soaked clothing which was discarded in the area.
A 35-year-old man arrested last night on suspicion of murder remains in police custody at this time.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said just before 1pm yesterday afternoon police received a report from a member of the public that two bodies had been discovered in a flat in the area.
“While post mortem examinations have not yet taken place I am treating their deaths as murder,” he said.
And he said he also wanted to express his thanks to the community for their patience.
“I would also like to thank the local community for their patience and support while the investigation into this tragic incident continues. The information they have provided to my detectives to date has been invaluable, however we still need people to get in touch and tell us what they know and I want to make a number of specific appeals in a bid to establish the circumstances of exactly what happened,” he said.
“I believe that some form of altercation took place within the flat where Frances and Joseph were found. I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time. Did you hear anything or did you see anyone leaving the flats yesterday morning?”
He said police want to locate a bag of blood soaked clothing that they believe was discarded in the local area.
“The bag is described as being a white carrier type bag with orange lettering on it. If you see a bag matching this description please do not touch it and contact police immediately.
“No matter how insignificant you think the information you have is, please contact us. Your information could be key to our investigation. If you can help our investigation, please call detectives on 101 quoting reference 885 23/12/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime,” added Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery.