Executive tribute to murdered man

Mr Holland was a well-known businessman [Picture: Belfast Media Group]

The Northern Ireland Executive has sent its condolences to the family of Harry Holland who died after an attack.

The greengrocer, 65, was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver in Norfolk Drive on Tuesday. He died the next day.

Two 17-year-old boys and two 15-year-old girls are being questioned by the police.

Hundreds of people have been attending a vigil for Mr Holland in west Belfast. First Minister Ian Paisley said Mr Holland was held in high esteem.

"We have expressed our sorrow over the tragic and dreadful murder of a decent and honourable man," he said.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, who is a friend of the Holland family, said the whole community had been deeply shocked by the tragedy.

Mr McGuinness said: "We are all appalled that the life of a man who contributed so much to the community has been so cruelly cut short."

Chief Supt Gary White said the case was progressing well. He said the community was providing valuable information

"At this stage we are extremely pleased," he said.

"The detectives are reporting to me that a lot of people are coming forward, they are giving information and they are giving very valuable information."

'Living in fear'

Grace Devlin, Harry Holland's mother-in-law, said people were now living in fear as a result of his murder.

"I sat all day yesterday with my daughter, sitting watching that poor man who never did a bit of harm to anyone," she told the BBC's Nolan Show.

"I wish the ones who did this could bring their parents down and see what they did to that poor man.

"All he was doing was trying to protect his van, his livelihood. I'm a 79-year-old pensioner and I wouldn't even open my door at night. People are living in fear, it's horrifying."

Mr Holland had run a business in the area for many years

Sinn Fein assembly member Alex Maskey described the murder as "a dreadful and despicable act".

"I have known him and the Holland family for many, many years. The whole community, but especially his friends and neighbours on the Glen Road, are deeply shocked by what has happened."

Earlier, he asked people with information to pass it on to the police.

Highly respected

Neighbours had raised the alarm after finding Mr Holland injured.

Neighbour Caoimhin Mac Giolla Mhin said: "We heard a commotion in the street - it all happened very quickly."

He had been on a life-support machine until members of his family returned from abroad.

Mary McKee, an independent member of the Policing Board, said Mr Holland was a highly respected member of the community.

The four arrested teenagers are being questioned at Antrim Serious Crime unit.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 02890 561880, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.