Jim Heasley was attacked in Lisburn earlier this month A 70-year-old man who was attacked in Lisburn earlier this month has died in hospital.
He was Jim Heasley, of Craig Gardens in the city.
Police say they have launched a murder inquiry following Mr Heasley’s death in hospital on Friday.
He was left in a critical condition after the attack in the Manor Park area on Sunday, 17 October.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch are investigating his death.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway, said it had been “an unprovoked attack on a defenceless 70 year-old-man who was on his way home after a night out with his friends”.
“Jim was known locally as ‘Sunshine’, and from our enquiries over the last few days we have learned that Jim was a well known and respected member of the community and will be sadly missed by his family and his friends,” he said.
“Jim left the pigeon club in Longstone Street, and we know he was attacked in Manor Park. We want to speak to anyone who saw any movement in those areas between 1245am and 1am.
“We particularly want to speak to a blonde woman and a man seen walking into Manor Park sometime shortly after 1am. You may be able to help us with this enquiry and we would like to speak to you as witnesses.”
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