A SOUTH Armagh village has been left “shocked and saddened” following the death of a pensioner found at his home with head injuries.
The victim, Michael McConville, was aged in his 70s and was discovered with serious head injuries at a rural property in Crossmaglen on Saturday.
Police, who launched a murder investigation, were questioning a 67-year-old man on Monday on suspicious of murder.
Mr McConville, who lived alone, was found in the bathroom of the property on Annaghmare Road.
Described as a quiet man he was well-known in the area where he had lived for some years.
His death has left neighbours and the local community “shocked and saddened”, a councillor has said.
Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team said Mr McConville was pronounced dead at the scene after being found with “serious head injuries” believed to have been caused by a weapon.
“My thoughts, and that of my team, are with Mr McConville’s family and friends at this sad and also distressing time,” he said.
“A murder investigation is currently underway and a man, aged 67, arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody as enquiries continue.
”I am appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation to contact detectives on 101. If you noticed, or heard, anything untoward in the Annaghmare Road area between Friday evening, 14th June and Saturday, 16th June please get in touch quoting reference number 1435 15/06/24.”
Sinn Féin councillor Aoife Finnegan told The Irish News that news of the man’s death had stunned the local community.
“He was a long-term resident in the area and kept himself to himself,” she said.
“He was a quiet man and well got in the community, which has been left shocked and saddened by what has happened.
“The fact that a murder investigation has been launched has compounded the shock within this community.
“I wish to express my condolences to the family of the deceased.
“I would also appeal to anyone who may be able to help the police with their investigations in relation to his incident, to contact them immediately.”
