Man who died after being found injured in west Belfast was ‘one in a million’, as 35-year-old questioned on suspicion of murder

A man who died after he was found with serious injuries in west Belfast has been remembered as “one in a million”.

The victim, named locally as Joseph Brennan from the Poleglass area, is believed to have been punched outside licensed premises.

A murder probe was launched after he was discovered unconscious in the Cupar Street area on Wednesday, shortly after 8pm.

Mr Brennan, who was in his late thirties and known to friends as ‘Jopey’, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, but later died.

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A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remained in custody on Thursday night.

A death notice described Mr Brennan as the “beloved son of Paul and Bernadette, a loving brother of Paul, Sean and Jim, brother in law of Roisin, much loved uncle of Chloe and Ryan”.

In tributes posted online, one friend described the deceased as: “One of the best. A real character who had time for everyone.”

Another message on Facebook said he was “one in a million”, while others have written of their shock.

Detectives from the PSNI Major Investigation Team, who are carrying out a murder investigation, made an appeal for information.

Detective Inspector Sean Armstrong said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the family and loved ones, who are left to come to terms with their loss.”

The NI Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 8pm “following reports of an incident on Springfield Road”.

“NIAS despatched two emergency crews to the incident,” a spokesman said.

“Following assessment and treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to RVH.”

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey said he was “deeply saddened to learn that a man died”.

“I would like to express my condolences with the man’s family and friends as they come to terms with this terrible loss,” he said.

“I would appeal to anyone with information on this death to immediately bring it forward to the police to assist with their inquiries.”

SDLP councillor Paul Doherty also expressed his condolences.

“It’s never easy to lose a loved one in any circumstances and I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through this morning,” he said.

“There is serious concern in the local community following what took place last night. There can be no place for violence in our community and this is a terrible thing to happen on anyone’s doorstep.

“People in this area just want to live in peace and there is a real cloud over this part of west Belfast today.

“I would appeal for anyone with any information about what happened to come forwards to police.

“A man has lost his life in the most tragic of circumstances and those responsible must be held accountable.”