Police launched a murder inquiry today after a teenager was stabbed to death in a seaside town in Northern Ireland.
Paul Owens (19) was walking home alone through Newcastle, Co Down, in the early hours when he was attacked. It is understood he was stabbed three times in the neck.
Two men and a woman were arrested by police and an area close to the town's Donard Park was sealed off as part of the investigation.
Carmel O'Boyle, an SDLP member of Down District council who once taught the victim when he was a pupil at St.Malachy's High School in neighbouring Castlewellan, said she was shocked by the death.
"It was a brazen attack and absolutely nothing to do with the night-time economy. It looks as if it was in some way premeditated," she said.
"I cannot remember anybody being murdered in Newcastle where a knife was used. It is not something you associate with the town. It is always a safe place, no matter what time of the day or night. It is just so tragic."
PA