Eyewitness ‘shock’ at ‘bar row gone wrong’ as man who died after Belfast assault named

Mr Brennan died in hospital following an altercation outside a bar in the Cupar Street area of the city on Wednesday evening.

A murder investigation was subsequently launched by police.

A 35-year-old man, who is also from west Belfast, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody on Thursday evening.

Local people have spoken about their concern over what started as an innocent row inside Dan’s Bar in Cupar Street, spread out onto the street where the victim suffered fatal injuries.

Eyewitnesses say there was no sign of any weapons used and it appeared to be a “row gone wrong”.

One eyewitness who had been in Dan’s Bar said two men were having what started as “a bit of back and forth”.

“Someone told them to take it outside, thinking it was just a handbags at dawn situation,” they said.

“Shocked isn’t the word, Dan’s isn’t that kind of place, there’s all sorts of banter goes on but at the end of the day people shake hands and move on.

“My phone hasn’t stopped with people just shocked, terrible that this would happen.

“I didn’t know the fella died at all, I’m sure his family are just devastated”.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in an ambulance but later passed away from his injuries.

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson said last night: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 20:00 on Wednesday 6 March, following reports of an incident on Springfield Road.

“NIAS despatched two emergency crews to the incident.

“Following assessment and treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to RVH.”

Cupar Street Upper was closed as a result, along with the Springfield Road between Lanark Way and Millennium Way on Wednesday and police remain at the scene.

Watch: Police at scene of ‘serious assault’ in west Belfast

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey expressed his condolences with the family and friends of the victim.

The West Belfast MP said: “I am deeply saddened to learn that a man died last night in the Cupar Street area. I would like to express my condolences with the man’s family and friends as they come to terms with this terrible loss.

“I would appeal to anyone with information on this death to immediately bring it forward to the police to assist with their inquiries.”

The latest death marks the third murder in Northern Ireland so far this year, following the death of Kevin Conway in west Belfast in January and the death of teenager Blake Newland in Limavady last month.

SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty said the local community has been left reeling following the latest tragedy.

“I’d like to express my condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life following a serious incident last night,” he said.

"It’s never easy to lose a loved one in any circumstances and I cannot begin to imagine what they are going through this morning.

“There is serious concern in the local community following what took place last night. There can be no place for violence in our community and this is a terrible thing to happen on anyone’s doorstep. People in this area just want to live in peace and there is a real cloud over this part of west Belfast today.

“I would appeal for anyone with any information about what happened to come forwards to police. A man has lost his life in the most tragic of circumstances and those responsible must be held accountable.”

In a funeral notice, Mr Brennan from the Poleglass area is described as the “beloved son of Paul and Bernadette, a loving brother of Paul, Sean and Jim, brother in law of Roisin, much loved uncle of Chloe and Ryan.”

"Deeply regretted by his loving family circle. House strictly Private until Joseph’s remains return home. Family flowers only.”

The PSNI has reiterated its appeal for information following Mr Brennan’s death.

“Our enquiries continue, and I’m keen to take the opportunity to appeal to anyone with information to get in touch,” a spokesperson said.

"Did you witness the events leading up to the altercation? Might you have captured footage of the actual incident? Please contact our detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1768 of 06/03/24.”