Youth (17) remanded over Belfast grocer's murder

A 17-year-old boy was remanded in custody today on charges connected to the  murder of a Belfast greengrocer  this week.

A 17-year-old boy was remanded in custody today on charges connected to the  murder of a Belfast greengrocer  this week.

Harry Holland (65) was stabbed in the head late on Tuesday as he attempted to stop the theft of his delivery van. He died the following day in hospital.

Harry Holland: murdered in west Belfast this week
Harry Holland: murdered in west Belfast this week

The youth, who cannot be named, was accused of causing an affray and possession of a knife. He faces a third charge of attempting to wound another man,  Francis Quigley.

A detective constable told Belfast Youth Court that he could connect the teenager, who was silent during the five minute hearing, to all the offences. Magistrate Ken Nixon remanded the accused in custody until October 10th.

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A 15-year-old girl appeared at Belfast Youth Court yesterday charged in connection with the fatal stabbing. She faced charges of affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The girl, who made no reply when the two charges were put to her, was remanded in custody to appear again at the same court next month.

A bail application by her defence lawyer was rejected after police warned of a risk to the girl's wellbeing if she was freed.

Another 17-year-old boy is still being questioned. Another 15-year-old girl, arrested at the same time as the others, has been released.

Hundreds of west Belfast residents attended a vigil in the Falls area of the city on Thursday night to show solidarity with the dead man's relatives.