PSNI try to trace murdered man's final movements

Police in the North investigating the killing of a farmer in his isolated home have said it is imperative they retrace his movements in the days before his murder.

A photograph was tonight released of dairy farmer Victor Stewart, a 45-year-old bachelor who lived alone at Creevekeeran Road, Middletown, Co Armagh.

Mr Stewart’s body was found shortly before midday on Wednesday, but police have yet to establish when he died.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness, who is heading up the murder investigation, said: “It is imperative that we retrace Mr Stewart’s movements on the days before he was killed.

“We need to speak to anyone who was with Mr Stewart, or was in the area of Creevekeeran Road in Middletown between Sunday and Tuesday to contact the inquiry team.”

DCI Harkness described the attack on Mr Stewart as savage but said there was no obvious motives.

An incident room with a dedicated team of detectives has been established and can be contacted on 02837 517390.

Mr Stewart single-handedly ran a farm of around 200 acres close to the Monaghan border.

The murder sent shockwaves through the area.