Christopher Houston: police confirm death of 42-year-old man following assault in Ballymena
Police have confirmed a man has died following an assault in Ballymena in the early hours of Saturday morning, September 19.
He was Christopher Houston, who was 42 years old.
Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller said: “We can confirm that Mr Christopher Houston sadly passed away last night [September 22], and our thoughts are, first and foremost, with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Police received a report at around 5.05am on September 19 of an unconscious male at the junction of Alexander Street and Broughshane Street in the town. Officers attended the scene where colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were already providing medical treatment.
“We believe that Christopher, who was also known as ‘Cricki’, had been the victim of an assault and sustained a head injury. He was transferred to hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until his untimely death.
“A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Saturday and subsequently released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.”
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team are carrying out an investigation into the death of Mr Houston. “I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch,” Detective Chief Inspector Miller said.
"I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of Dunfane Crescent or the area of Broughshane Street and Alexander Street in early hours of Saturday morning, and who may have witnessed any altercation involving Mr Houston during that time.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured footage, whether CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam.
“You can contact officers on 101 or report online at psni.police.uk/makeareport quoting reference number 210 of 19/09/26.”
Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org