Newtownards murder victim named as police granted more time to question suspects

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Newtownards on Boxing Day have named the deceased as Mark Dorrian.

The 50 year-old was reported to be unconscious at a residential property in the West Street area of the town around 1.50am on Thursday 26 December. He was taken to hospital but later died as a result of his injuries.

Two women, aged 58 and 33, and a 36-year-old have been arrested on suspicion of murder. The three suspects remain in custody with police granted a 36 hour extension to question them. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “A murder investigation was launched after a report was received that a man was unconscious inside a flat in the West Street area, just before 1.50am on Thursday, 26th December. "Mark sadly died later in hospital having sustained a number of injuries, including head injuries. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course. “Three people - two women, aged 58 and 33, and a man, aged 36 - were arrested on suspicion of murder. They all remain in police custody at this time, with detectives being granted a 36 hour extension to question them this afternoon, Friday 27th December." Detective Chief Inspector McGuinness continued: “My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mark's friends and family. “Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances. I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives."

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