A murder investigation has begun after a man’s body was found in a north Belfast lake. The body was found by police in the Alexandra Park area at about 3.30pm today.
A post-mortem examination will be carried out to determine the cause of death. A spokesman for the PSNI said detectives from the serious crime branch were appealing for anyone who was in the park between 8.30am and 9.30am yesterday to get in contact.
Alexandra Park is divided by a three-metre tall peace wall which was erected in 1994 to prevent sectarian fighting between nationalists in the Antrim Road and loyalists on the Shore Road.
In September 2011, a gate linking the two communities was opened for the first time. It is understood the lake is located in the upper end of the park.
SDLP councillor Pat Convery who chairs the north Belfast community safety partnership has urged anyone with information about the murder to come forward.
He said: “This is a very tragic event. My thoughts and prayers are with the man’s family. I would appeal for anyone who has any information that could help further the investigation to notify the police.”
Democratic Unionist councillor Guy Spence said the community was stunned by the grim discovery. "Something like this comes as a great shock. I am sure the local community will join with me in sharing our thoughts and prayers with the family of the individual involved.
“It is a surprise that in such a public place something as horrid as this could be discovered. “I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it to the police or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers.”