The quiet streets of Twinbrook, a suburb in west Belfast, were shattered on the evening of August 21, 2025, when a violent incident left a community reeling and a family devastated. At approximately 8:15 p.m. BST, as children played outside and life seemed to carry on as usual, a fatal stabbing occurred in Mulberry Park. The victim, Shane Lowry, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood and beyond.
According to BBC and several local media reports, the tragic event unfolded amidst an already tense evening. Just prior to the stabbing, emergency services had been called to a fire at a nearby block of flats in the estate. While residents were relieved that no one was injured in the fire, the subsequent news that a man had been stabbed just streets away quickly turned relief into horror and sorrow.
The accused, Martin Lowry, 32, of no fixed abode, was arrested on August 22 on suspicion of murder and possession of a blade or point. The following morning, he appeared before Lisburn Magistrates’ Court, charged with the murder of his brother, Shane Lowry, and with possession of a knife. As reported by The Irish News and PA, Martin Lowry spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth during the brief hearing. The relationship between the accused and the victim was confirmed in court, and none of the alleged background facts were opened during the session. No application for bail was made, and Martin Lowry was remanded into custody to appear again via video link on September 15, 2025.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) shared details of the incident with the press. He stated, “We received a report at around 8.15pm that a man aged in his 30s had been stabbed in the Mulberry Park area of Dunmurry. Officers attended, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly, he was pronounced dead.” Phillips appealed to the public for any information related to the incident, urging anyone with details to contact police and quoting reference number 1633 21/08/25.
A large police cordon was established around Mulberry Park and several surrounding streets throughout Friday, August 22, as investigators scoured the area for evidence and sought to reassure a deeply unsettled community. The presence of police tape and forensic teams underscored the gravity of the situation, as neighbors and families tried to make sense of the tragedy that had unfolded in their midst.
Local political and community leaders were quick to respond to the incident, expressing both their condolences and their concern for the neighborhood. Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker, who was present on the night of the stabbing, described the sequence of events as “a very heartbreaking and a traumatic series of incidents.” He recalled, “There were a number of incidents which happened. We were at a fire at the top of the estate. It was in a block of flats. There was a lot of relief that nobody was hurt but quickly news spread that someone had been stabbed in this part of Twinbrook which was close by. Sadly, when we got here we knew it was very, very serious. The community was filled with sorrow. Sadly, the PSNI confirmed this morning that the man has passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I would ask people not to speculate. There is a live PSNI investigation and anyone with any information should please come forward.”
Baker emphasized the close-knit nature of the Twinbrook community and the profound impact the incident has had. “It is a very close-knit community. I was born and raised here, we all know each other and we know a family is completely devastated this morning and our thoughts and prayers are with them,” he shared, highlighting the collective grief and solidarity among residents.
Other political figures echoed these sentiments. SDLP West Belfast councillor Paul Doherty described the incident as shocking, stating, “A man has lost his life and the local community has been left reeling. My thoughts are with the loved ones of the deceased and everyone who has been affected by this incident. Nobody wants to wake up to something like this on their doorsteps, but I would ask people to support police as they carry out their investigation into what happened here. I commend their quick response. I would urge anyone with any further information to come forward to police.”
People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll also weighed in, offering his condolences and reflecting on the broader implications for community safety. “Everyone has the basic right to live in peace and safety in their own home. My thoughts and condolences are with the victim, his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” Carroll said, as reported by local outlets.
The events of August 21 have left a lasting mark on Twinbrook. The fact that the incident occurred while children played nearby has only deepened the sense of shock and vulnerability. As reported by multiple sources, the incident was not only a personal tragedy for the Lowry family but also a communal one, affecting neighbors, friends, and the wider west Belfast area.
Police have maintained a presence in the area, both to continue their investigation and to provide reassurance to residents. The PSNI has repeatedly appealed for information, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in the pursuit of justice. As of now, the investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging anyone who witnessed the events or who may have relevant information to come forward.
The next legal steps are already in motion. Martin Lowry’s initial court appearance was brief, with the case adjourned until September 15, when he is expected to appear via video link. No details of the alleged events were discussed in open court, and the accused was remanded into custody without bail. The coming weeks will likely bring further developments as the legal process unfolds and more details emerge about the circumstances leading to Shane Lowry’s death.
In the meantime, the Twinbrook community is left to grapple with the aftermath of a night that began with relief after a fire and ended in tragedy. The words of local leaders and the visible grief of neighbors speak to the deep wounds left by this incident. As the investigation continues and the legal process advances, one thing is clear: the events of August 21, 2025, will not soon be forgotten in west Belfast.
