David Clarke PSNI PSNI

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have arrested and released a man over the murder of David Clarke in 2001.

The 26-year-old, who had learning difficulties, was “savagely” beaten in his flat at Forthriver Road in Belfast in the early hours of 6 June.

The PSNI said his body was found later that evening by friends who forced their way into the first floor flat after he hadn’t been seen all day.

The flat's door, damaged by the attackers and later forced open by Clarke's friends. PSNI PSNI

Detectives from the force’s serious crime branch reopened the investigated on 29 November after new information was received.

This morning a 32-year-old man was arrested in Shankill area of Belfast.

He was taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning, the PSNI said in a statement.

He was later released unconditionally.

The flat was vandalised. PSNI PSNI

Speaking when the investigation was reopened last month, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson said:

“Everyone in the local community knew David. He knocked about more often with teenagers than people his own age because he felt more comfortable with them because of his learning difficulties. He was inoffensive and vulnerable.”

He described Clarke’s injuries as the some of the worst he had ever seen.

Another man was arrested in connection with the case on 30 November.

Read: Two men arrested over burglary offences after signal devices found >