Police appeal for help two years after brutal murder
A Northern Ireland detective inspector has issued an appeal to members of the public today to help identify those responsible for the brutal murder of a 26-year-old single man in his West Belfast flat two years ago.
David Clarke was beaten to death with a rod-like instrument and sustained horrific injuries, Belfast coroner’s court heard today.
Detective Inspector Anthony Mulholland, in particular, urged members of the public to help police catch the assailants and establish a motive for the killing.
He told the inquest: “It was a brutal assault on a defenceless 26-year-old.
“I would appeal to anybody with information to contact the investigating officers at Antrim Road or to use the Crimestoppers line.
“People would have had to have left the flat and it is extremely likely that they would have been heavily blood-stained as a result of the assault on Mr Clarke.
“They would have had to dispose of their clothes.
“I have no doubt that there are people within the Forthriver estate who can assist the investigation.
“As the senior investigating officer I have no doubt that if we are provided with the information, no matter how slight, it will be investigated.”
The detective inspector said the man’s flat appeared to have been vandalised but there was no sign of any robbery.
Mr Clarke, from Forthriver Road, near the Shankill Road, had no paramilitary connections and appeared to be a popular, if unassuming, member of the community.
As Mr Clarke’s mother, Mina and several friends looked on, Belfast Coroner Mr John Leckey told the court that the crime scene photos were “as bad as anything as I have ever seen”.
He continued: “It is an unfortunate situation that two years on an investigation by a team of detectives has not established any motive or led to anyone being charged.”
He said this was not the fault of the investigating officers and he reiterated the appeal of the detective inspector for anyone with information to come forward either directly to the police or using the confidential telephone line.
“Someone who carries out such a brutal attack should not be walking the streets,” the coroner said.
“They should be brought to the courts and punished.”
Mr Leckey extended his sympathies to Mrs Clarke.
