Pensioner killed in noise row

A pensioner died after being struck by a bottle when he challenged noisy drinkers outside his home, it was claimed today.

The man, who was in his 70s, was found dead in an alleyway near Fort Street in west Belfast last night.

Police said they were treating his death as suspicious and detectives investigating the incident were returning to the scene today.

Sinn Féin councillor Michael Ferguson claimed the man had gone out of his house to remonstrate with people creating a disturbance.

“Our information is that a man simply challenged a number of drinkers because they were making noise in the vicinity of his home and was struck by a bottle and killed.

“This is absolutely dreadful and the community will be shocked. This poor man responded as anyone would have done.”

Mr Ferguson said his advice to people suffering from anti-social behaviour was not to go out and challenge those responsible.

He called on them to seek help from local neighbourhood safety schemes set up by republicans in the area.

“Those who are engaged in anti-social drinking or taking substances, or involved in drugs, are very dangerous people.

“These people can’t be approached or challenged on your own even though it is your gut instinct to challenge people who are denying you a night’s sleep.”