Police launch murder probe after death of stabbing victim

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Castlederg.

Conor Browne, aged 28, died from injuries sustained following a stabbing incident in the Main Street area of the town at the weekend.

Detective Chief Inspector Gibson said, “We have made three arrests to date in our investigation. Two men – both aged 28 – remain in police custody at this time. Another man aged 27 has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“I would continue to appeal to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us in our investigation into this young man’s death to contact us at the Major Investigation Team on 101 quoting reference 127 02/09/23.”

Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100 per cent anonymous.

Mr Browne died as a result of multiple stab wounds sustained in an altercation in Castlederg in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 28-year-old father of one had been in critical condition in hospital since the incident occurred, but his conditioned worsened and he was pronounced dead on Monday afternoon.

In a tribute, local GAA club Castlederg St Eugene’s described Mr Brown as a “hard-working, civil, funny and thoughtful young man” on their Facebook page:

“It’s with a heavy heart that we have to write a post like this.

“Conor Browne was a hard working, civil, funny and thoughtful young man! Conor was out for a night’s craic with his friends in his local well-respected and well-run bar.

“What happened when Conor left the bar is the unthinkable and for any normal human being the undoable. For Conor to lose his life in the way he did is so hard to take in for our whole community.”

Local Sinn Féin councillor, Ruairí McHugh says there is a “profound sense of shock and sadness among the local community.”

“The brutal nature of this incident is totally unprecedent in this area and everyone is in a state of shock,” he added.

“Conor was very civil, hardworking and big-hearted and the Browne family are a very well-known and respected locally.

“I wish to extend my condolences to Conor’s entire family circle and his many friends. The entire community is united in grief with them and will rally around them in the difficult days ahead.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about the attack on Conor to bring it forward to police and this includes any CCTV of mobile phone footage.”