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Man who died after ‘altercation’ named locally as tributes paid to ‘lovely, kind-hearted guy’

Lord Mayor led tributes to Nigel Burgess and described him as a 'well loved and respected member of the community'

The man who died after what police described as an altercation in Armagh on Saturday evening has been named locally.

He was Nigel ‘Budgie’ Burgess.

A 49-year-old man was arrested by officers after the sudden death as police appealed for witnesses.

Mr Burgess died in the area of Ballynahone Close.

A PSNI spokesperson said that at around 10.20pm they received a report of some form of altercation.

They arrived to find a man lying on the ground and despite the efforts of emergency services Mr Burgess was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lord Mayor of Armagh Mealla Campbell expressed her sympathies to the family.

She said described the news as “devastating”.

Said Lord Mayor Campbell: “My thoughts are with the wider family at this truly difficult time.

“He was such a well loved and respected member of the community. My prayers go to the family, friends and neighbours. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Tributes have also been paid to the deceased on social media by friends who had been left stunned by the news which broke on Sunday morning.

One said: “Nigel was a lovely kind hearted guy, he would have given you the shirt off his back.”

Another said he was “totally devestated”, adding: “Wee Budgie was a lifelong friend, so so sad, thoughts and prayers with all the family at this sad time.”

A third echoed similar sentiments with these words: “Can’t believe this has happened to such a lovely person, thinking of all the family at this terrible time.”

Meanwhile, police are still appealing for witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw said: “I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of Ballynahone Close last night and who witnessed some form of altercation to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 2554 10/04/20.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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