Three charged in connection with hatchet murder in the North

Three men were charged tonight with the murder of a man killed in front of his pregnant wife.

John Mongan, 30, was attacked by a gang wielding hatchets and a machete in his Fallswater Street, Belfast, home in the west of the city on Thursday.

His wife Julia, 28, who was also taken to hospital with a head wound, is due to give birth imminently.

The three accused will appear before magistrates in Belfast tomorrow.

A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

A 31-year-old man and 15-year-old are also facing murder charges.

Three other men questioned about the murder were released without charge.