Arthur Berryman was stabbed by masked, knife-wielding men who forced their way into his home in east Belfast on October 31 2001 and stabbed him to death as he sat in his living room
A renewed plea for information has been issued, 24 years after the brutal murder of Arthur Berryman in east Belfast.
Mr Berryman was fatally stabbed by intruders who forced their way into his Imperial Street home in the Woodstock area around 11.30pm on October 31 2001. The 46 year old sustained multiple stab wounds and tragically died at the scene.
Police reports indicate that he was at home with his wife when she answered a knock at the door, only to be met by a masked man brandishing a knife who pushed her aside before entering and stabbing Mr Berryman as he sat in the living room.
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The assailant, described as wearing a dark coloured jacket with the hood up and his face obscured by a light coloured mask, is believed to have escaped on foot via an alleyway adjacent to the house following the attack.
Detective Inspector Ailish McCrissican described it as a “savage and sustained attack on a defenceless man in his home”. She stated that they do not believe it was a sectarian attack and urged anyone with information to contact the Legacy Investigation Branch.
“We are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder, however, we do not believe the attack on Arthur was in any way sectarian,” she said.
“While two people, a man and woman, were charged in connection with the murder, the charges were later withdrawn and no one has been convicted to date. I am appealing to anyone who may have been on Imperial Street or the surrounding streets before or after the murder and who may have seen the attacker – please speak with police.”
She added: “In line with our Case Allocation Model, detectives are carrying out a number of enquiries and speaking to witnesses again. In the years since Arthur’s murder, people’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If you have any knowledge of what happened that night, but have not spoken to police previously, please do so now.
“You may have heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or over the following years.
“Despite the amount of time that has passed since the murder, it is not too late. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are ready to listen. Twenty-four years have passed but Arthur’s family continue to suffer the devastating effects of this senseless murder.
“Anyone with information can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101. Direct line is 028 9258 9258 or via email at L&DSec@ psni.police.uk.”
