Police launch murder inquiry in Belfast

A man’s body has been found in south Belfast, it emerged today.

As police sealed off the scene of the find at Hatfield Street in the Ormeau Road area, a spokeswoman confirmed detectives were treating the death as murder.

The dead man was named locally as John Barr from Hatfield Street.

It is understood the dead man was in his late 40s or early 50s.

It is understood his body was discovered in his own home.

Neighbours described him as a quiet man who had lived in various houses in the area for several years.

One said: “He was a bit of a loner but he wasn’t involved in anything, he just kept himself to himself.”

His body was discovered shortly after 9pm last night.