Police make fresh appeal over ‘savage’ murder of Arthur Berryman 24 years ago
A new appeal for information has been issued about the “brutal” murder of Arthur Berryman 24 years ago.
Mr Berryman was stabbed by assailants who broke into his home in east Belfast at around 11.30pm on 31 October 2001.
The 46-year-old man, who suffered multiple stab wounds, died at the scene.
Police said he was at home with his wife on Imperial Street in the Woodstock area of Belfast when he answered his wife’s knock on the door and was then confronted by a masked man with a knife.
The masked man pushed him to the ground and stabbed Mr Berryman, who was sitting in the living room, before going inside.
It was stated that he was wearing a dark-colored jacket with a hood and covered his face with a light-colored mask.
After the attack, he was thought to have fled on foot into an alley next to the house.
Detective Inspector Ailish McCrissican said it was a “brutal and sustained attack on a defenseless man in his home”.
He said they did not believe this was a sectarian attack and asked anyone with information to speak to police at the Heritage Investigation Branch.
“We are investigating a number of potential motives for the murder but we do not believe the attack on Arthur was in any way sectarian,” he said.
“While a criminal complaint was filed against two people, a man and a woman, regarding the murder, the charges were later withdrawn and no one has been convicted to date.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have been on Imperial Street or the surrounding streets before or after the murder and may have seen the attacker – please speak to the police.”
He added: “In line with our Case Allocation Model, detectives still carry out a number of inquiries and speak to witnesses.
“People’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed in the years since Arthur’s murder. “If you have any information about what happened that night but have not already spoken to police, please do so now.
“You may have heard stories about what happened immediately afterwards or in the years that followed.
“Despite the long time that has passed since the murder, it is not too late. If there is anyone who feels they can talk to us now, we are ready to listen. Twenty-four years have passed, but Arthur’s family continues to experience the devastating effects of this senseless murder.
“Anyone with information can contact detectives at the Legacy Investigations Branch on 101. The direct line is 028 9258 9258 or email L&DSec@psni.police.uk.”
