A masked man wielding a knife forced his way into their home and stabbed Mr Berryman multiple times
The murder of a “defenceless man in his home” on Halloween night was a “savage and sustained attack” as police continue their hunt for the culprit 24 years on.
Arthur Berryman was at home with his wife at Imperial Street in the Woodstock area of East Belfast when she answered a knock on the door at around 11.30pm on October 31, 2001.
She was confronted by a masked man wielding a knife, who pushed her to the ground before entering the house and stabbing Mr Berryman as he sat in the living room. He suffered multiple stab wounds and died at the scene.
Twenty-four years on, detectives are renewing their appeal for information on the murder of the 46-year-old.
Detective Inspector Ailish McCrissican from Legacy Investigation Branch (LIB) said: “This was a savage and sustained attack on a defenceless man in his home.
“We are exploring a number of potential motives for the murder, however we do not believe the attack on Arthur was in any way sectarian.
“While two people, a man and woman, were charged in connection with the murder, the charges were later withdrawn and no-one has been convicted to date.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have been on Imperial Street or the surrounding streets before or after the murder and who may have seen the attacker – please speak with police.”
The man was described as wearing a dark coloured jacket with the hood up and had his face covered with a light coloured mask. Following the attack, he is believed to have made off on foot into an alleyway beside the house.
DI McCrissican added: “In line with our Case Allocation Model, detectives are carrying out a number of enquiries and speaking to witnesses again.
“In the years since Arthur’s murder, people’s circumstances and allegiances may have changed. If you have any knowledge of what happened that night, but have not spoken to police previously, please do so now. You may have heard accounts of what happened, either in the immediate aftermath or over the following years.
“Despite the amount of time that has passed since the murder, it is not too late. If anyone now feels they are able to talk to us, we are ready to listen. Twenty-four years have passed but Arthur’s family continue to suffer the devastating effects of this senseless murder.
“Anyone with information can contact detectives in Legacy Investigation Branch on 101. Direct line is 028 9258 9258 or via email at L&DSec@psni.police.uk
“You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org “
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