Gay community help in murder inquiry

The body was found close to a hockey pitch

Detectives have said they are liaising with the gay community as part of their inquiries into the murder of a man in south Belfast at the weekend.

The police are still trying to establish a motive for the murder of 30-year-old Ian Flanagan.

His body was found close to a hockey pitch at Queen's playing fields in the upper Malone area shortly after 0800 BST on Sunday.

The police said he had suffered massive head injuries.

A spokesman said detectives were following a number of lines of inquiry but no definite motive for the killing had yet been established.

Detective Superintendent Roy Suitters described it as an "horrific crime".

Detective Superintendent Roy Suitters: "It was an horrific crime"

"It was an absolutely brutal attack. I don't think Ian stood much chance of surviving it," he told BBC Radio Ulster on Monday.

He said there was no indication of a sectarian motive behind the attack.

Mr Suitters said there was no sign of any gunshot wounds and it was probable that a blunt object had caused the injuries.

Mr Flanagan, who is originally from Keady in south Armagh, was last seen leaving his home in Donegall Avenue at about teatime on Saturday night.

"We're obviously interested in anyone who had contact with Ian," said Mr Suitters.

The victim's red BMW car was found parked in Barnett's Park in the upper Malone area of south Belfast.

Detectives are urging anyone who saw Mr Flanagan on Saturday night to contact them.

Police also want to hear from anyone who was at a function at Malone House on Saturday night.