Northern Ireland

Michael McConville murder: Police granted further 24 hours to question man arrested over pensioner’s death

The 67-year-old suspect was detained following the discovery of the victim’s body last weekend

PACEMAKER BELFAST 17/06/2024 A murder investigation has begun after a pensioner was found dead with serious head injuries in a house in Crossmaglen, County Armagh. The man in his 70s was found in the bathroom of a home on the Annaghmare Road on Saturday evening. A 67-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Enquiries are underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the man's death. Officers remain at the scene.
A murder investigation was launched after the pensioner was found dead in a house in Crossmaglen. PICTURE: ARTHUR ALLISON/PACEMAKER PRESS
By Suzanne McGonagle

Police investigating the murder of Crossmaglen pensioner Michael McConville have been granted a further 24 hours to question a man.

The 67-year-old suspect was arrested following the discovery of Mr McConville’s body last weekend.

The 74-year-old victim was found with serious injuries at his home in Annaghmare Road area of Crossmaglen on Saturday evening.

In an update on the investigation on Wednesday, a PSNI spokesperson said detectives had been “granted a further extension of 24 hours for the detention of a 67-year-old man arrested as part of the ongoing police investigation”.

It comes after a 36-hour extension was granted to police on Tuesday.

Mr McConville, who lived alone, was found in the bathroom of the property by a neighbour who had called to cut the grass.

The neighbour had become concerned after the pensioner did not answer the door.

It is understood it was initially thought that Mr McConville may have suffered a fall, but following further examinations, a murder probe was launched.