Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Major Investigation Team have launched an investigation into the death of a man following an assault in the Suffolk Road area of west Belfast last Friday.

The victim has been named as 30-year-old local man, Mr Carl Holland.

Detective Inspector Collins said: "We can confirm that Carl Holland has sadly passed away, and our thoughts are, first and foremost, with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time."

He added: "Carl was the victim of an assault, which happened outside licensed premises in the Suffolk Road area of the city on the night of Friday, 12th June.

"The male suspect arrived by taxi, he punched the victim, and then left in the taxi. This was at approximately 9pm. "Carl was taken to hospital for treatment to a serious head injury, where he remained in a critical condition until his untimely death."

Detective Inspector Collins has reiterated an appeal to anyone with information to come forward.

He said: "From enquiries, we know that a verbal altercation had taken place, inside the premises, earlier that same evening.

"I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. I'm particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the assault, or the earlier altercation, and who may have captured footage, whether CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam.

"You can contact officers on 101 or report online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport quoting reference number 1174 13/06/26."

Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org