Pensioner ‘Was Beaten To Death’

A pensioner who died from severe head injuries in east Belfast was beaten to death in his own home, detectives say. The body of 92-year-old Charles Stead was discovered at his house in Canberra Park in Dundonald on Monday after neighbours raised the alarm.

A murder inquiry was launched on Thursday after a post-mortem examination concluded that the head injuries had caused Mr Stead’s death. Police are yet to find a murder weapon and are asking the public for help.

Lead investigating officer Jeff Smyth said there was “no sign of a struggle” in Mr Stead’s house. “There is no sign of a break-in at the house, which in itself is suspicious to the police service.” Mr Stead had lived in the bungalow since the 1960s, and neighbours expressed shock at his murder.

The police are appealing for any information about suspicious activity in the street between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.