Second man arrested in Megan murder hunt

A second man was arrested today over the murder of a teenage girl near Belfast.

As detectives were granted a further extension to question the first suspect about the killing of 16-year-old Megan McAlorum, police confirmed the latest development.

A spokeswoman said: “Another male was arrested this morning in connection with the investigation and is also currently helping police with their inquiries.”

The teenager’s half-naked body was found close to a quarry overlooking the city on Monday. She had suffered head injuries but police have refused to reveal whether any sex attack was involved.

A murder inquiry was launched following the brutal killing, which left her parents shattered and plunged an entire community into a state of shock and anger.

Megan had failed to return to her home in the Lenadoon estate, west Belfast, after an Easter Sunday night out.

Murder squad officers made their first arrest on Tuesday and have now been given more time to interview the suspect.

The police spokeswoman added: “Detectives attended Lisburn Magistrates Court this morning and were granted a further extension to continue to question the male that was arrested on the 13th.”