Man Remanded Over East Belfast Stab Death

The PSNI has now charged a man with a fatal stabbing in east Belfast at the weekend.

Robert Scott of Clarawood House, Clara Way, Belfast, has today denied murdering Richard Hicking although a PSNI detective constable said he could connect the accused with the murder charge.

BBC NI has reported that the 35-year-old accused was remanded in custody to appear again later this month after he appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Earlier this week, it was confirmed that the initially 'suspicious death' had since been classed as a murder.

Detectives from the PSNI Serious Crime Branch then launched the murder enquiry following the fatal stabbing last weekend and the discovery of the body of Mr Hicking, 31, in a flat around 12.30pm pm on Saturday afternoon, 30 April.

The PSNI said that a man was helping them with their enquiries at Musgrave Street police Station in connection with the murder - and it is believed this is the same man now charged with the killing.

Serious Crime branch detectives investigating the murder are still appealing for information regarding the victim's movements in the last few days.

They said that anyone who had contact with Mr Hicking between Thursday morning (28 April) and 12.30pm on Saturday 30 April when he was found deceased is asked to contact detectives at Musgrave Police station on 0845 600 8000.

A statement said, that if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Elsewhere, officers investigating the discovery of a body at a house in south Belfast have now said they are treating the death as 'not suspicious'.

The shock find was made in the Wynchurch Road area shortly before 5.20pm on Wednesday but has no connection to the murder case.

A police spokesperson said, "We are not treating the death as suspicious at this stage."

Kilkeel Killing

Meanwhile, after the murder of a Kilkeel resident, Dmytro Grytsunov on Saturday 23rd April, the PSNI have charged a 28-year-old man with affray, and assisting an offender.

Two other men remain in Gardaí custody in Dublin at this stage.

See: Man Found In East Belfast Flat 'Was Murdered'

See: Woman Faces Charges Over Kilkeel Murder

(BMcC/GK)