Local councillor seeks to reassure families as police “not seeking anyone else” after search ends with arrest
There is widespread shock in a “quiet, rural area” of Co Armagh where police have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body.
A man’s body was discovered in the Cusher Green area of Mountnorris and, following a search involving a helicopter, a man in his 30s has been arrested.
Local councillor Keith Ratcliffe said he is now seeking to reassure families in the area that “police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this”.
READ MORE: Forensics pictured at scene of alleged murder in Co ArmaghREAD MORE: Murder investigation launched after man found dead in Co Armagh
Police were called to the area at 11.30am on Thursday, September 4, following reports of a concern for safety at a property in the area. Upon arrival, officers say a man in his 40s was found dead at the scene with serious head and facial injuries.
A 39-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody overnight.
TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe said a local school was closed for a short while as police carried out a search in the area.
“I got a call from constituents in the area yesterday afternoon,” he told Belfast Live. “As an elected representative I made contact with police and I was speaking to the police at length. Unfortunately, a man who was in his late 40s is deceased.”
He continued: “My understanding is that the school was closed for a while. There was a helicopter out searching and there’s now been an arrest. I want to put it out, loud and clear, that the police are not seeking anyone else in relation to this. I would say that to seek to reassure young families and the local community in the area.”
In a statement on Thursday, the PSNI confirmed that the “local community can expect to see an increased police presence in the Cusher Green area” as officers conduct further enquiries into what happened.
Councillor Ratcliffe encourged the public to give the PSNI space.
“Police will have to be allowed time to carry out their investigation,” he said. “There were a lot of forensic experts in the area last night. There’s an older house going into the estate and police were in and around that area. Obviously, we don’t want to see any rumours circulating, or speculation.
“This is really, so uncanny for this area because it’s a really quiet area. There’s a school in it, a few housing estates and a Church, and that’s about it. There’s never any trouble in this area and I think that’s why the community is so shocked.”
He added: “I would like to pass on my condolences and my thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the deceased. Obviously a man has lost his life here and it’s extremely tragic.”
DUP MLA for Newry and Armagh, William Irwin, also expressed condolences for the family of the deceased, telling Belfast Live: “My condolences are with the family. It is tragic in a small village, a quiet rural village that there’s never any trouble in. It will be a massive shock to the neighbours and anyone living in the area.”
Independent councillor Paul Berry said: “I’ve spoken with the police so at this stage it is about allowing them to carry out their investigations. I know they are not looking for anybody else. Clearly it’s a big shock. It is very sad and, obviously, our thoughts and prayers are with the family concerned.
“Mountnorris is a small, hamlet area outside Markethill and this has come as a great shcok to the local community. Nothing of this nature has happened before, to my mind, and it’s a close-knit community. It is in the hands of the police now so we would appeal that if anyone has any information at all, it should be given to the police.”
Sinn Féin MLA, Aoife Finnegan, expressed her shock and sadness in a statement.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said: “Following news that police are now treating the death in Cusher Green, Mountnorris as a murder investigation, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.
“This is a deeply distressing and shocking development for the local community. Police have confirmed that a male has been arrested and remains in custody. They are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this time. I am liaising with the police and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
She added: “I would ask that the privacy of those affected be respected throughout the investigation.”
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, in a statement issued by the PSNI said: “Although our investigation is at an early stage, we are working at pace to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and to determine exactly what happened. I would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist us, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 573 04/09/25.
“Alternatively, you can also submit a report or information online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/.”
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