Police have launched a murder enquiry after a man in his 40s died following a serious assault in South Belfast in January.
The assault, which was reported to the PSNI on February 16th, is said to have occurred between 3.30am and 4am on Sunday, January 29th.
The PSNI confirmed on Tuesday evening that the victim has now sadly died and a postmortem will be carried out and detectives will consider the findings.
Read more: Man in critical condition in hospital after alleged Belfast assault
Three men who were arrested in connection with the incident remain on police bail.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: "Sadly the victim of the assault has now passed away in hospital. I am appealing for witnesses to come forward.
"The assault occurred between 3.00am and 3.30am on Sunday, January 29th when the victim was waiting for a lift in the car park beside licensed premises.
"It has been reported that three men approached the victim and his friend before an altercation occurred which spilled out on to the Malone Road, at the junction of Eglantine Avenue.
"We know that this area would have been relatively busy with vehicles at the time, particularly taxi drivers, and would appeal to anyone who may have been in the vicinity to check their dashcam for relevant footage. If you have any information which could assist our investigation, please contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1297 of 16/02/23."
Botanic SDLP Councillor Gary McKeown said: "I am very sorry to learn that the man who was assaulted in January on the Malone Road has died. My thoughts are with those close to him.
"An incident like this will cause great concern for people living nearby, as this is an area heavily populated with students and long-term residents, and would be very busy at weekends.
"Police investigations are ongoing, so I would urge anyone with any information to please come forward."
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