Police launch murder investigation after man dies from stabbing in Castlederg over weekend

Police have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man following a stabbing in Castlederg at the weekend.

Conor Browne, 28, died from his injuries after he was attacked in the Main Street area of Castlederg in the early hours of Saturday morning. Two men, aged 31 and 27 years, were arrested on Monday. Meanwhile two men, both aged 28, arrested previously remained in police custody on Monday evening.

In a statement local Councillor Ruairí Mc Hugh said: “The brutal nature of this incident is totally unprecedent in this area and everyone is in a state of shock. “Conor was very civil, hardworking and big-hearted and the Browne family are a very well-known and respected locally.

Floral tributes in Castlederg

“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."

In a post on social media Local GAA club Caisleán na Deirge Naomh Eoghan CLG paid tribute to the 28-year old.

The club said: "RIP Conor Browne.

"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 nights 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.

"Conor always wore the biggest smile and would have done anything for anyone. One of the real good guys! This has affected everyone in the parish.

"If anyone needs help or someone to talk to just pm this page and we will get you to the right resources.

"Our club wishes to extend our heartfelt condolences and prayers to Matt, Geraldine and family, to the entire family circle and to his many many friends.

"May God give them all the strength to get through this difficult time. Please keep the family and friends in your prayers. Rip Conor! Forever young."

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