Murdered drug dealer Conor McKee

DETECTIVES have this evening arrested two men over the murder of north Belfast drug dealer Conor McKee.

The men – aged 37 and 44 – were detained in Antrim and Belfast on suspicion of his murder.

They have been taken to the serious crime suite at Musgrave PSNI station in Belfast for questioning.

Mr McKee, a father of two, was found on Thursday night at his home around 10.30 pm by his mother.

The 31-year-old was found in an upstairs bedroom.

In a statement tonight, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway said: ”

“I can now confirm that 31 year old Conor McKee was found by a close family member at his home in Glenpark Street off the Oldpark Road in north Belfast last night.

“Conor was discovered in an upstairs bedroom. There was nobody else in the house.

“A post mortem examination has yet to take place so I am unable to confirm the cause of death.

“Conor McKee was a father of two young children, a son, a brother and a partner.

“This is a devastating tragedy for the McKee family and a terrible shock for the local community.

“Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have launched a murder investigation and I have three appeals to make:

“Firstly, I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Glenpark Street around 6.15 last night who saw or heard anything unusual or suspicious to contact police. I am particularly keen to talk to anyone who saw a man outside the McKee house which is number 5 at around 6.15pm.

“Secondly, I am making a specific appeal to the person who rang police in the early hours of this morning with information about the murder to call back. We really need to talk to that person.

“Thirdly, I would appeal to those people who knew Conor, who were his friends, to engage with police to help us build a picture of his life, his activities and his movements. The more information we have, the greater the likelihood is that we will bring his killer or killers to justice.

“We are in the early stages of this investigation and, while we are following a number of lines of enquiry, we are keeping an open mind as to the motive for Conor’s murder.

“Anyone with any information that could assist with the investigation should contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on the non-emergency number 101.

“Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”