A man in his 60s, known locally as Bobby McKee, died tragically in an event that took place in Co Down. Concurrently, a female is undergoing treatment for a head injury she sustained during the incident, which happened at a residence situated in the Newcastle Road area of Kilkeel. Based on this suspicious death, a murder investigation has been initiated by the police who have clarified that it isn’t tied to any firearms related incidents.
An individual, 25 years of age, was apprehended Friday on the counts of murder as well as attempted murder and remains in police custody. Mr McKee gained remembrance as a ‘devout Christian and a friend to many’ and is identified as the sibling of Harold McKee, an erstwhile MLA and unionist councillor. The Traditional Unionist Voice’s South Down unit conveyed their profound sympathies to Harold, Maura, Mrs Mckee and the family circle on their social platform over Bobby’s untimely death.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly, a danger report concerning the safety of a couple living in the aforementioned property came in shortly post 12.50pm on Thursday. Upon arrival, the officers found an unconscious and unbreathing man along with a severely head-injured lady in her 60s. The woman was given immediate medical attention on site before being hospitalised, where she currently is stable, while the man was declared deceased at the spot.
The involved 25-year-old male was taken into police custody around 2pm under suspicion of murder and attempt to murder. Diane Forsythe, South Down MLA for DUP, described the tragedy that befell the ‘warm family’ as ‘absolutely horrific and shocking’. She shared her heartbreak with the BBC stating, “the community is totally numb as the news emerged yesterday. This family, well-respected by everyone, is in everyone’s thoughts and prayers during this extremely tough time.”
Colin McGrath, MLA for South Down from the SDLP, expressed the devastation felt by the whole community as he paid his respects to the McKee family.
The news has left individuals throughout this region reeling in disbelief, with folks in Kilkeel finding it hard to grasp the reality of the situation that has occurred right in their neighbourhood. Being a tightly bound community, it will take them a while to digest the impact of this dark episode that has shrouded their vicinity in gloom.” – PA