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Murder Investigation
Woman arrested over case of man with learning difficulties who was beaten to death
David Clarke (26) was bullied in the weeks leading up to his murder.
A WOMAN HAS been arrested in connection with an investigation into the murder of 26-year-old David Clarke in north Belfast in 2001.
Clarke, who had learning difficulties, was savagely beaten in his flat on the Forthriver Road in Belfast in the early hours of June 6 2001.
The case re-opened last month after police received new information.
A 33-year-old woman was arrested in the Greater Shankill area of the city this morning. She has been taken to a police station in Belfast for questioning.
A 32-year-old man has also been arrested since the investigation re-opened.
The officer leading the renewed investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson from the Serious Crime Branch said that David was bullied in the weeks leading up to his murder. Clarke didn’t report the incidents to police but had confided in friends.
Describing the attack, Dickson said:
The individuals in the flat smashed its fixtures and fittings and David’s ornaments. We believe David had retreated into his bedroom for safety where he was savagely beaten and died.
“I would continue to ask anyone with information to do the right thing and come forward with anything they know. They can call the police non-emergency number 101 or use the independent charity Crimestoppers where information can be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
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