North Belfast murder: PSNI given more time to question man (21)

30-year-old Robert Jones died on Thursday night

Author: Naomi HollandPublished 29th Jun 2018
Last updated 30th Jun 2018

Detectives have been granted a 36 hour extension to question a 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.

The murder probe was launched after 30-year-old Robert Edward Joseph Molloy Jones died after he was found in Parkmount Street in north Belfast on Thursday night.

He was treated by paramedics at the scene but later passed away in hospital.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland is appealing for witnesses to come forward.

On Friday people on Parkmount Street expressed their shock.

One pensioner, who lives on the section of the street where the incident happened, said she did not hear anything until an ambulance arrived.

"It was just after 9pm, I had gone up to bed to read a book because I didn't like the film he (husband) was watching,'' said the woman, who did not want to be named.

"It wasn't long after I went up, he shouted 'there's an ambulance on the street'.

"That was surprising as this area is very quiet normally.''

Press Eye

DUP councillor Brian Kingston described the area as very settled and quiet.

"It's a very sad scene this morning, a man has died after apparently sustaining injuries,'' he said.

"People seem to know very little about it, many residents are just hearing about it this morning.

"I understand the victim was treated by paramedics at the scene but later died in hospital.

"I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the victim's family, and I would urge anyone with information to speak to police."

Sinn Féin councillor Mary Ellen Campbell has said her thoughts are with the family of the murdered man:

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family today, I’m sure they are heartbroken.

“I would encourage anyone with any information to bring it forward to the PSNI."

Detective Chief Inspector Pete Montgomery said: “The community in the local area may hold vital information which could help to establish the circumstances surrounding Robert’s murder.

"I would like to thank the community for the help they have provided so far and would appeal to those with any information to contact detectives.

“I would particularly like to speak with anyone who was the area of Parkmount Street or Seaview Close between 8pm and 9.30pm on Thursday and who witnessed anything to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 1487 of 28/06/18.

"Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."