Paul Mackin Jr's Death in North Belfast After Assault Prompts Murder Investigation

Time and location of the attack: The assault happened just before 6pm on Monday at a residential property in the Duncairn Parade area in north Belfast (Eithne House) and Paul Mackin Jr, 44, later died in hospital on Wednesday.
Suspect developments: A 41-year-old man, previously arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and who remained in custody, has now been arrested on suspicion of murder; a 40-year-old arrestee was released on bail, and a 32-year-old arrestee was released unconditionally (three men aged 32, 40 and 41 were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder).
Victim's identity and locality: Paul Mackin Jr is from north Belfast, attacked at Eithne House in the New Lodge area, and died after sustaining injuries in hospital.
Police appeal for information and to avoid speculation: Officers urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances to protect the investigation and those affected; inquiries include contact via 101 with reference 1454 20/07/26 or online at the PSNI appeals site, and Crimestoppers options.
Local reaction: Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee described Mackin’s death as “very, very sad news” and offered condolences to his family and the wider community.
A murder investigation has been launched in north Belfast after Paul Mackin Jr, 44, died in hospital on Wednesday following a serious assault two days earlier. Police were called to a residential property at Eithne House, Duncairn Parade, in the New Lodge area just before 6pm on Monday, July 20, according to Belfast Telegraph.
A 41-year-old man who had been held on suspicion of attempted murder remains in custody. He was re-arrested on suspicion of murder after Mackin Jr died, ITV News reported. Two other men arrested in connection with the assault have since been released.
Three men — aged 32, 40, and 41 — were initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police responded to the assault at Eithne House. As the investigation developed, their status changed. The 32-year-old was released unconditionally. The 40-year-old was released on bail. The 41-year-old remains in custody, now re-arrested on suspicion of murder, according to The Irish Post.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service also responded to the scene on Monday evening, Belfast Media reported. Mackin Jr was taken to hospital for treatment but died from his injuries on Wednesday.
Paul Mackin Jr was from the north Belfast area and was well known in the New Lodge community. Sinn Féin councillor JJ Magee described his death as "very, very sad news" and offered condolences to his family and the wider community, according to Belfast Media.
New Lodge is a residential neighbourhood in north Belfast. The attack took place at Eithne House, a block within the Duncairn Parade area. Local reaction to Mackin Jr's death has been one of grief, with community figures calling for calm as the police investigation continues.
Officers have asked the public not to speculate about the circumstances of the death. Police say speculation could harm the investigation and affect those involved. The PSNI's Major Investigation Team is asking anyone with information to come forward, ITV News reported.
People with information can contact police by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1454 20/07/26. Tips can also be submitted online through the PSNI's appeals website. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers instead, according to Head Topics.
Publishers
15
Articles
9
Reach
24