Murder victim and off-duty police officer Colin Prime

Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team, who are carrying out a murder investigation following an assault in south Belfast, have named the deceased as Colin Prime.

Mr Prime, who was 41 years old, was a serving police officer, who was off duty at the time of the incident.

The father-of-two was from the Banbridge, Co Down.

Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: “My thoughts, and deepest sympathies, are first and foremost with Colin’s family who have been left bereft.

“Friends and colleagues are deeply saddened by Colin’s death.

“The assault occurred between 3.00am and 3.30am on Sunday, January 29th when Colin was waiting for a lift in the car park beside licensed premises.

“It has been reported that three men approached Colin and his friend before an altercation occurred which spilled out onto the Malone Road, at the junction of Eglantine Avenue.

“I can confirm that Colin’s occupation as a police officer had no bearing on the attack.”

Detective Inspector Griffin appealed for anyone with information to bring it to police.

“We know that this area would have been relatively busy with vehicles at the time, particularly taxi drivers, and would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity to check their dashcam for relevant footage.

“If you have any information which could assist our investigation, please contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1297 of 16/02/23.

Three men who were arrested in connection with the incident remain on police bail.