Youth questioned over sports ground murder

Police were today quizzing a youth arrested in connection with the death of man found battered at a sports ground.

The suspect was arrested last night by officers investigating the death of civil servant Ian Flanagan, 30.

Although Mr Flanagan had a girlfriend, police believe his murder may have a homosexual link and last night officers leading the inquiry urged members of the city’s gay community to help.

The body was found close to an area frequently used by homosexual men.

Mr Flanagan, from Keady, south Armagh, had been badly beaten about the head with a blunt instrument.

His body was discovered at the bottom of a grass bank beside a hockey pitch just yards from where he had parked his red BMW car.

Det Supt Hugo Frew said: “It was a very brutal and savage and sustained assault.

“It wasn’t a case of running up and hitting him on the back of the head and running away.”

Police said a youth had been arrested in connection with Mr Flanagan’s murder.

A spokesman said he was arrested after a planned house search in the Newtownbreda area on the outskirts of south Belfast.

Earlier yesterday, detectives said they were looking for two men, dressed in sports clothing, who were seen at Barnett’s Park where the body was found on Sunday morning.

Police have also appealed for the driver of a grey and black jeep to come forward.

Mr Frew revealed police were to review previous assaults in the area and the neighbouring Shaw’s Bridge.

Gay rights campaigners believe Mr Flanagan, who had been living at Donegall Avenue in Belfast, may have been targeted by a gang who thought he was a homosexual.

PA MagLochlainn, president of the Gay Rights Association, told how the escalating number of attacks had left him fearing someone would be killed.

He said: “We have put up posters there, warning people that at least one of the gangs was intent on murder.

“There have been attempts to lure people into ambushes and cars have been burnt out or attacked with stones and sticks.”

Monica McWilliams, a Women’s Coalition Assembly member for south Belfast, appealed for the public to aid the police inquiry.

“This is a deeply shocking and violent attack,” she said.

“The local community will be very distressed, as it is a quiet area occupied by families.”

Mrs McWilliams added: “The rise in violent attacks in south Belfast is very concerning and I have been in contact with the police about these crimes.”