Matthew Goddard murder: Detectives revisit scene of attack

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-30639459

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Detectives investigating the murder of a man in east Belfast have revisited the scene exactly a week after he was last seen alive.

Matthew Goddard was found dead at his home in Chobham Street on Christmas Eve after a "sustained and brutal attack".

The 41-year-old had been beaten with his electric guitar and other objects.

The officer leading the investigation appealed for information, particularly about a disturbance in the area shortly before midnight on 23 December.

'Violent attack'

Mr Goddard was last seen alive at about 18:00 GMT that evening.

Officers have already said they believe the victim "suffered a brutal and violent attack" in the living room of his home.

In a new statement on Tuesday, Det Ch Insp John McVea said: "I would particularly appeal to anyone who may have been in the Ravenscroft Avenue area of Belfast between 11:00pm and midnight on Tuesday, 23 December and may have heard or seen a disturbance to contact detectives.

"We have set up a murder incident room in Musgrave police station and I would urge members of the public who have information, no matter how insignificant they may think it is, to contact detectives on the non-emergency number 101.

"Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111."

To date, police have arrested and questioned four people in connection with the murder but all were released unconditionally.

Mr Goddard was not previously known to police but detectives had said they suspect he may have been involved in drugs and that is one line of inquiry in the murder investigation.