Ballymena assault victim Christopher ‘Cricki’ Houston dies as detectives appeal for information
Christopher Houston
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team are investigating the death of a 42-year-old man following an assault in Ballymena at the weekend.
Mr Christopher Houston, who was also known as “Cricki”, died on Tuesday night after spending several days in hospital with a serious head injury.
Thoughts with Christopher’s family and friends
Detective Chief Inspector Hazel Miller said:
“We can confirm that Mr Christopher Houston, who was 42 years old, sadly passed away last night, 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 19th September 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.”
Man previously arrested and released on bail
A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm on Saturday, 19th September, and was subsequently released on bail to allow for further police enquiries.
Police had initially appealed for information after Mr Houston was found unconscious at the junction of Alexander Street and Broughshane Street in the early hours of Saturday. The investigation is now being carried out by detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team.
Detectives seek witnesses and footage
Detective Chief Inspector Miller has issued a fresh appeal for anyone who may be able to help establish what happened to come forward.
She said:
“I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. 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 www.psni.police.uk/makeareport quoting reference number 210 of 19/09/26.”
Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
Detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Houston’s death, with the appeal now focused on tracing anyone who witnessed an altercation involving him or has footage from the Dunfane Crescent, Broughshane Street or Alexander Street areas during the early hours of Saturday.
