Ian Ogle murder - Four arrested in connection

Q Radio news

Two people, arrested in connection with the "brutal" murder of east Belfast community worker Ian Ogle, have been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Four people were arrested yesterday by officers in relation to the killing.

Mr Ogle, 45, a father-of-two, died after being assaulted on Cluan Place, near a busy arterial route in the city on Sunday night.

Forensic officers combed a nearby city park for clues on Monday, churning the soil using specialist equipment, as police appealed for anybody who saw a group of men running in the area to come forward.

On Monday evening, police said two men, aged 31 and 45, and two women, aged 35 and 36, had been arrested. 

Earlier, Detective Chief Inspector Peter McKenna said: "We are continuing in our efforts to find those responsible for this brutal murder."

He appealed for anyone with information who was in the area of Cluan Place, Albertbridge Road or Templemore Avenue between 9pm and 10pm on Sunday to make contact.

"I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a group of men running in this area and I would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage to contact us," he added.

IMAGE: Forensic teams work at the scene near Cluan Place

Local representatives said Mr Ogle was highly regarded for his community work.

Ulster Unionist councillor Sonia Copeland said: "I was absolutely shocked to learn of the murder of Ian Ogle last night.

"I have known him for a number of years from involvement in work in and around Cluan Place and I know just how highly regarded he was by his local community and indeed much further afield."

Ms Copeland said the victim was a devoted family man and father-of-two.

DUP Belfast city councillor George Dorrian tweeted: "Horrific attack at Cluan Place."

He added: "Horrible to think this should happen anywhere and no reason could ever justify what has happened in east Belfast."

He said Mr Ogle was well-known and popular.

Mr Dorrian said: "It has been barbaric and the level of violence, the level that was used, was a disgrace."

He added: "The focus at the minute has just been the level of violence, the level of what has occurred here. People just could not believe the sort of violence that was used upon this man."