A MAN has been arrested after the body of 56-year-old Laurence ‘Lornie’ Shaw was found inside his home in Co. Antrim yesterday.
Mr Shaw, 56, was found dead with his throat cut at his home on Hillmount Gardens in Larne at around 1.35pm on Monday afternoon.
Fire crews had been called to the house to put out a small fire when they made the discovery of Mr Shaw’s body.
Initially, the PSNI said they were treating the man's death as "suspicious", but a murder investigation has now been launched.
A 39-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning on suspicion of murder.
The PSNI have appealed to anyone who noticed "suspicious activity" in the Hillmount Gardens area since Saturday afternoon to contact them.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoffrey Boyce said: “Police were called to the scene after the body of 56-year-old Laurence Shaw was discovered inside his home in Hillmount Gardens at around 1.30pm yesterday afternoon, Monday 9th October.
“A post mortem examination will be carried out in due course to determine the cause of death.
“A 39-year-old man was arrested during the early hours of this morning on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.”
Residents told local media that there was a party at the semi-detached bungalow where Mr Shaw lived over the weekend.
Forensic teams have been examining the scene at the property and detectives are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the local area.
Sinn Féin councillor James McKeown said the community in Larne was horrified at the sudden death of Mr Shaw.
"I knew him very well, I grew up with him," Mr McKeown told the BBC.
"He was good craic, he enjoyed a bit of fun, a very well-known man, not only in this estate - Seacourt – but throughout the Larne area and (he) comes from a very, very big family."
The victim’s brother said his family have been left traumatised after Laurence – known as ‘Lornie’ to friends – was found dead with his throat slit yesterday.
"This has come out of the blue, we never expected something like this to happen," John Shaw, 57, told the Belfast Telegraph.
"He had taken over my mother's house after she went into a care home.
"I believe he was found by a friend, but the police haven't told me any details yet.”
The PSNI are appealing to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Hillmount Gardens area from Saturday afternoon onward to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 687 09/10/17.
Detectives are particularly keen to speak with anyone who saw or spoke with Laurence Shaw at any time over the weekend, or anyone who was in his company.
Information can also be passed on via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
