East Belfast murder victim identified

A man who died after a fight in east Belfast on Friday was 21-year-old Reece Leeman.

It is thought he had been stabbed during an altercation at a house on Kyle Street, before he was found on Connsbrook Avenue.

Detective Inspector Joanne Harris from the PSNI's Serious Crime Branch said: "My thoughts today are very much with Reece's family and friends who are trying to come to terms with their sudden loss.

"We received a report at 1:50am on Friday that a male, which we now know was Reece, had been stabbed and subsequently collapsed on Connsbrook Drive.

"Police and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended and Reece was taken to hospital where he tragically died from his injuries," she said.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old on suspicion of aggravated burglary and robbery.

Police say they are not looking for anyone else in relation to Reece's death and have appealed for information.

Detective Inspector Harris said: "I know Reece had gone to an address on Kyle Street with another male sometime before 1:50am.

"Some type of altercation occurred inside the house when Reece was there. He was subsequently discovered collapsed on the street on Connsbrook Drive with stab wounds.

"I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time. Did you witness the assault on Connsbrook Drive? Did you see Reece leave the house in Kyle Street?"

She added: "I also want to ask anyone who saw Reece, or who spoke with him the day before, or during the early hours of the Friday morning to get in touch with us. I would also ask anyone who saw Reece with another male during these times, if they know his movements prior to Reece's death, to contact us. "

Detectives can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 51 of 15/03/19.

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