Man murdered on Botanic Avenue

The body of a Pakistani man was discovered in the early hours of this morning on Botanic Avenue.

The body was found by a passer-by just after 5am at the corner of Cameron Street, close beside popular student eateries Maggie Mays and Meat in a Bap.

It is thought the victim died of “severe stab wounds”.

Botanic avenue has been closed from University Street to Shaftesbury Square. Botanic train station is also closed until further notice.

Police are treating the death as a murder and have a man in custody – arrested just hours after the grim discovery of a man’s body.

Law first year Kathryn Hanley says she is “shocked” by the murder.

“You don’t imagine this sort of violence could happen so close to where you study. In such a busy area as well. It’s scary.”

Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway has urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Botanic Avenue early this morning and witnessed the incident, or anyone with any information that could assist this investigation to contact Detectives at Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101.”

SDLP South Belfast MP Dr Alasdair McDonnell has described the attack as a “violent and vicious attack in an area that is home to families and students.”

South Belfast MLA Anna Lo has also condemned the attack.

She said: “Local people are shocked at what has taken place. Botanic Avenue is a very popular area visited by many people who will be very saddened by this incident.”

Students and residents are warned to be cautious, and anyone with information is advised to phone the PSNI non-emergency number 101.

Earlier reports suggested the victim was Chinese, this information has now been updated.