Although the police initially launched a murder inquiry following the death of a man who was assaulted in the quiet Co Down village of Ballykinler, it has now emerged that the death is no longer being treated as murder.

Initially, the quiet army garrison village was rocked by the news that Francis Doherty, 62, had died, apparently having suffered serious head injuries, at his home on the Commons Road on 16 March.

A murder inquiry was then undertaken after he died in hospital almost a month later on 12 April. He had been on life support since the attack.

However, forensic reports have now demonstrated that Mr Doherty died of natural causes.

Two men were arrested at the time in connection with the attack but were released without charge.

The incident wasn't the first time the normally peaceful army garrison village had been in the news, with a 21-year-old soldier - who had just returned from Iraq - being stabbed there last December.

Although entirely unconnected, that incident also happened on the Commons Road, this time as the serviceman was returning to barracks.

It was understood he suffered one stab wound to the stomach, but recovered after being first listed as being in a serious but stable condition.

An Army spokesman said the attackers had stolen the soldier's mobile phone after stabbing him.

See: Murder Probe Follows Victim's Death

(BMcC)