Lisburn murder victim named locally as tributes flow for ‘gentle soul’

Barry Furfey died in hospital on Monday after sustaining serious injuries.

Tributes have been paid to a 42-year-old man murdered in Lisburn in the early hours of Monday morning. The victim has been named locally as Barry Furfey, who lived in the Wardsborough Road area of the city.

Emergency services were called to the apartment complex where Mr Furfey lived in the early hours of the morning. Mr Furfey died in hospital on Monday after sustaining serious injuries.

A couple – a 38-year-old woman and 37-year-old man – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody

READ MORE: Lisburn murder sends shockwaves through local communityREAD MORE: Murder inquiry launched and couple arrested after death of man in Lisburn

Police say they received a call for assistance from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service just before 1am on Monday morning, 15th September, at a property in the Wardsborough Road area of the city.

Officers attended, and the victim was located at the property with serious injuries. Medical treatment was provided at the scene – before he was transferred onward to hospital. Sadly, he then passed away on Monday morning due to the extent of his injuries.

Many tributes have been paid to Mr Furfey since news of his death emerged.

One tribute posted online read: “So sad. Barry was a lovely lad and quite would do anything for us. Rest easy, Barry.”

Another said: “Devastating news. Rest easy buddy.”

A third added: “Totally sickened and saddened by this. Poor fella did not deserve this horrible death.”

“RIP Barry. Gentle soul of a man. Wicked act,” said a fourth.

Local politicians say the community has been left shocked after police launched a murder inquiry following the death of Mr Furfey

SDLP Lisburn North councillor Pat Catney said the local community is fearful: “I visited the Wardsborough Road area following the news of this murder and spoke to members of the local community who are fearful that this happened on their doorsteps.

“It’s absolutely awful for anyone to lose their life in this way and I would like to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life. I would ask anyone with any information to come forward to police and commend their response.

“I also note with deep concern the comments from the Chief Constable that the PSNI currently lack the resources to properly investigate murders. We have seen far too many violent deaths already this year and the PSNI must be supported to bring those responsible to justice.”

Alliance Lisburn North Councillor Nicola Parker expressed shock following the incident: “I am deeply saddened to learn about this horrifying incident, and my sympathies go out to the family and loved ones of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.

“This tragic incident has left many residents in the community feeling shocked and distressed, but I am confident they will unite during this challenging time.”

Speaking on Monday night, PSNI Detective Inspector Jill Angus said: “The local community can expect to see an increased police presence in the Wardsborough area as officers conduct further inquiries into what happened – cordons also remain in place.

“Although our investigation is at an early stage, we are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and to determine exactly what happened.”

The officer also appealed to witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward by contacting police on 101, quoting reference number 29 15/09/25.

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