Police given more time to question murder suspect after stabbing in Belfast

By David Hunter

Police have been given more time to question an 18 year-old man in connection with the murder of Hazem Ahmed Ghreir.

The victim, who was in his 30's, was injured in the Downshire Place area of Great Victoria Street at around 10.45.

It's understood he passed away at the scene, despite the attempts of emergency services.

Eye witnesses described how ambulance staff performed CPR for around 10 minutes before the vehicle left the scene with no lights or sirens on. 

Detectives are questioning an 18 year old suspect, but say they do not believe the murder was race related. 

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man following an incident in Downshire Place, Belfast last night.

— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) June 5, 2017

Detective Inspector Darren McCartney, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are continuing to investigate the murder of Hazem, who was in his 30s.

"We would appeal to anyone who was in the Downshire Place vicinity of Great Victoria Street last night at around 10.45pm to contact police.

"I would also ask anyone who has any footage captured from the incident to get in touch.

“At this stage of the investigation we do not believe race was an issue and we are not treating this matter as a hate crime.

“An 18 year old male who we arrested on Monday night is currently in custody at Musgrave PSNI station and is assisting police with their enquiries.”