Dead man had internal injuries, say police

Detectives investigating the suspicious death of a retired fire officer today revealed he had suffered internal injuries.

David Spence, 47, was found dead by relatives at his home in Kings Drive, Newtownabbey, late on July 12.

Detective chief inspector Roy McComb said police were keeping an open mind on how he had met his death.

‘‘Mr Spence did receive some internal injuries and we are keen to find out how he received those injuries.

‘‘We are not putting any label on this investigation. It is a suspicious death because there are unanswered questions. My objective is to try and find those questions and get them answered for the family,’’ he said.

The dead man was last seen between 11.30pm and midnight on July 11 when he left a British Legion club to go home.

DCI McComb appealed to anyone who may have seen Mr Spence walking home to get in touch.

‘‘I can tell you he has walked a certain route home. I am fairly satisfied he walked from the British Legion club into Station Road, into Ypres Park, along Fernagh Road and into his home at Kings Drive.’’

Mr Spence, who had two children, had separated from his wife and was living alone at the time of his death.

DCI McComb said it had been a shock to those who had found the body.

‘‘I am sure it was an horrific event for them and my sympathies go out to the family. We are working very closely with the family, we have a dedicated officer working with the family circle and we are giving them as much information as they need to try to get some answers to the questions which they have.’’

The senior detective said police had developed a certain picture of what had happened but had leads that they wanted to develop further.

‘‘Mr Spence has no history, he is a completely innocent person. There is nothing to indicate that there is anything in his background to suggest that he could have been targeted by anybody or any organisation, so we are keeping our options open to see how he came about these injuries.

‘‘This is a tragic event. He leaves behind two young children and my heart goes out to that family,’’ he added.