LAST UPDATE | 17 May

POLICE IN NORTHERN Ireland have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in east Belfast. 

Nicholas (Nicky) Gordon (51) died in hospital on Saturday, four days after a serious assault at an apartment building in the Holywood Road area of east Belfast. 

Detective Chief Inspector Duffie said the PSNI received a report at around 8.25am on Tuesday of an assault in the Holywood Road area.

It’s understood a number of intruders entered an apartment building and attacked another man, before making off.

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

Emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, attended the scene and Mr Gordon was subsequently taken to hospital.

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

“Our thoughts are with Nicholas’ family and friends at this sad time as they try to come to terms with their loss, and as we continue to examine the exact circumstances of what happened.”

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.

The PSNI is appealing to anyone who was in the Holywood Road area between 4am and 8.30am on Tuesday and may have witnessed something, or believe they may have information which could assist their investigation – including any dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage – to contact them.

“Residents in this area will continue to see a police presence over the next few days, as our investigation develops,” Duffie said. 

Information can be shared with the police on its major incident public portal.