Battered body found on Belfast hockey pitch

POLICE yesterday launched a murder inquiry after a man’s battered body was discovered in south Belfast.

The body was found on playing fields in the Malone area of the city.

The detective leading the investigation, Acting Superintendent Roy Suitters, said the man had suffered severe head injuries.

The victim, who is believed to be in his 30s, has not yet been identified.

His body was found at the bottom of a grass bank close to hockey pitches belonging to Queen’s University, Belfast.

Police are investigating whether an old red BMW car found a short distance away in the car park at Barnett’s Park may be connected to the crime.

They are trying to trace anyone who may have information about the movements of the car and have urged people who attended a function last night in nearby Malone House to contact them.

Meanwhile, a policeman was in a serious condition in hospital yesterday after an 80-strong mob viciously attacked officers on routine patrol in west Belfast.

The officer, who was knocked unconscious, is being treated for serious facial injuries, while four colleagues, including a woman, received cuts and bruises during the attack.

The patrol was carrying out vehicle checks on the Falls Road at around 3.15am yesterday when they were ambushed. They had just stopped a motorist when the crowd, some of whom emerged from a nearby pub approached and began kicking and beating them.

A police spokeswoman said the officers were forced to draw their weapons to fend off the crowd although no shots were fired. She said the female officer suffered an eye injury in the attack.