Man arrested on suspicion of murder following death in Co Down village

By Rebecca Black, PA

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in a Co Down village.

Police said a man, aged in his 20s, was pronounced dead at an address in Portavogie on Monday morning.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

A police spokesperson said officers attended an address in the New Harbour Road area just after 7.45am.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Portavogie. Link here: https://t.co/QrY0bvDYad pic.twitter.com/QIP9LUAe6W

— Police Ards and North Down (@PSNIArdsNDown) November 3, 2025

Detective Inspector Hollie McCartan made an appeal for witnesses to help the investigation.

“Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, responded to a report received just after 7.45am,” she said.

“Sadly, a man, aged in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“My thoughts are with the young man’s family and loved ones, who are left trying to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.”

We’re deeply aware this news will bring both shock and sadness to the close-knit community of Portavogie

She added: “A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody at this time.

“We’re deeply aware this news will bring both shock and sadness to the close-knit community of Portavogie.

“Local people will see police officers in and around the area, with cordons still in place.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 246 of 03/11/2025.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the New Harbour Road area of Portavogie between midday on Sunday November 2 and 8am today, Monday November 3, and who witnessed or heard anything untoward, or who may have captured dash-cam footage.”