Three Belfast men charged with murder

THREE men were charged in Belfast yesterday with murdering Mr Michael Whelan (35), whose body was found in the lower Ormeau area…

THREE men were charged in Belfast yesterday with murdering Mr Michael Whelan (35), whose body was found in the lower Ormeau area last week.

The accused are Mr John Vance (37), Mr Hugh Foster (31), both of no fixed address, and Mr John Boyle (26), from Cooke Court off the Ormeau Road. They were remanded in custody.

Mr Whelan, from Ardoyne, will be buried today.

An RUC inspector said his inquiries would indicate that. the accused men and Mr Whelan had been drinking together and he said there was no sectarian motive.