The Five Demands

Murder probe after body is found in lake (UTV)

Police have launched a murder inquiry after a man’s body was found in a lake in a park in north Belfast.

The body was pulled from the lake in Alexandra Park at around 3.30pm on Wednesday.

A post-mortem examination is to take place to determine the cause of the man’s death.

DUP North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds said news of the find has caused “shock” in the community.

He said: “The entire community will share in the sense of shock at this appalling news.

“I understand that the identity of the deceased is known to the police.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased.

“I appeal for anyone who can assist the police investigation to pass on whatever information they have.”

SDLP councillor Pat Convery, who chairs the north Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership, has urged anyone with information about the murder to come forward.

He said: “This is a very tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family.

“I would appeal for anyone who has any information that could help further the investigation to notify the police.”

Detectives from the Police Serious Crime Branch are leading the investigation following the discovery.

They have appealed for information.

They are particularly interested to hear from anyone who may have been in the park between 8.30am and 9.30am on Tuesday.