Police have been granted a further 36 hours to question a man about the murder of a pensioner in Co Armagh.
Michael McConville (74) was found with serious injuries at his home in Crossmaglen on Saturday. He was discovered in the bathroom of the property in the Annaghmare Road area.
On Monday police said a murder investigation had been launched and a 67-year-old man had been arrested.
In an update on Tuesday, the PSNI said they had been given further time to question the suspect.
“Major investigation team detectives investigating the murder of 74-year-old Michael McConville in the Crossmaglen area on Saturday evening, 15th June, have been granted a 36-hour extension for the detention of a 67-year-old man arrested as part of the police investigation,” a spokesperson said.
Major Investigation Team detectives investigating the murder of 74-year-old Michael McConville in the Crossmaglen area on Saturday evening, 15th June, have been granted a 36-hour extension for the detention of a 67-year-old man arrested as part of the police investigation. pic.twitter.com/VI6wfqEDJy
— Police Newry, Mourne and Down (@PSNINMDown) June 18, 2024
It has been reported that Mr McConville, who lived alone, was found by a neighbour who had called to cut the grass, but became concerned after the pensioner did not answer the door.
It is understood it was initially thought that Mr McConville may have suffered a fall, but following further examinations, a murder probe was launched.
Mr McConville has been described as a quiet man who was well-known in the area where he had lived for some years.
Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Finnegan told The Irish News that news of the man’s death had stunned the local community.
“He was a long-term resident in the area and kept himself to himself,” she said.
“He was a quiet man and well got in the community, which has been left shocked and saddened by what has happened.”
