Police launch murder inquiry

The man was attacked in Bangor

Detectives in Bangor in County Down have launched a murder inquiry following the death of an elderly man who was assaulted in the town.

The 70-year-old man was attacked at the back of Bangor Abbey in Abbey Street on Wednesday.

The alarm was raised by a passing motorist, who saw the assault taking place at about 2320 BST.

The man was taken to hospital where he later died. The police have appealed for witnesses.

Detective Inspector David Skelley, who is leading the inquiry, said the evidence of the motorist was "very relevant" to the investigation.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in that area at the time, or indeed anyone who is aware of anything at all about this matter, to contact myself or the CID at Bangor RUC station," he said.