On the evening of August 21, 2025, the quiet streets of Twinbrook in west Belfast were shattered by a fatal stabbing that has left the local community reeling with shock and sorrow. Shane Lowry, a man in his 30s, was killed in Mulberry Park, an area that, just moments before, had been alive with the sounds of children playing and neighbors going about their routines. The incident, which occurred shortly after 8:15pm, has since prompted an outpouring of grief and concern from residents and public officials alike, while police swiftly launched a murder investigation.
According to BBC, emergency services were alerted to the scene at precisely 8:15pm. Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), accompanied by crews from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), responded immediately. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips, leading the Major Investigation Team, stated, "Officers attended, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly, he was pronounced dead." The NIAS confirmed that after initial treatment at the scene, one patient was transported to Royal Victoria Hospital, but Shane Lowry could not be saved.
The stabbing took place at the rear of a small bungalow that straddles Broom Park and Mulberry Park, right next to a busy supermarket. As forensic officers worked late into the night, the area was cordoned off, and the presence of armed police and balaclava-clad officers left an indelible impression on the community. Local residents, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph and The Irish News, described scenes of chaos and fear. One woman recounted, "My wee ones were out playing beside the shop at the time. The youngest wee girl came in here in hysterics, she was shouting ‘a guy was stabbed’ when I got outside I saw cops arriving and putting a man in handcuffs. Some of them [police] were wearing balaclavas and had guns out, it was really scary."
Another resident, still in disbelief, told The Irish News, "Nothing like that usually happens around here. You’d get the police in and out sometimes but never anything like this." The impact on the children was especially distressing, as many witnessed the aftermath and the subsequent police response. One mother shared, "My daughter came running in crying. There were so many police around, and she couldn’t settle. She was up late last night because she couldn’t sleep—she was panicking and worrying. It’s a close-knit community. The children usually play outside every day, often until nine at night. But last night, when it happened, they were taken straight inside. And today they still can’t go out because of the police cordons everywhere."
The victim, Shane Lowry, was known locally and lived at the house where the attack occurred with his father and brother. His mother posted a heartfelt tribute online in the hours following the tragedy, expressing the family's deep loss. A funeral notice, published soon after, read: "Shane Tony, RIP died suddenly 21st August 2025. Beloved son of Breda and Marty. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral arrangements to follow. St Padre Pio Pray for him. Deeply regretted by his entire family circle."
On the night of the incident, police arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder. The following day, the suspect was charged with murder and possession of a blade or point, and he is scheduled to appear before Lisburn Magistrates' Court on August 23, 2025. Detective Chief Inspector Phillips emphasized the focused nature of the investigation, stating, "At this time, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with this investigation." He also appealed to the public: "We would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1633 21/08/25."
The tragedy unfolded on a night already fraught with tension in Twinbrook. Sinn Féin MLA Danny Baker, speaking to the News Letter and other outlets, described how the stabbing occurred shortly after a fire at a nearby block of flats. "Last night was a very heartbreaking and a traumatic series of events. 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."
Baker further urged the community to refrain from speculation, noting, "There is a live PSNI investigation and anyone with any information should please come forward." He reflected on the pain and anxiety felt by residents, saying, "I was here last night, there was relief at first that no-one was injured at the fire but very quickly when people came here we knew how bad it was, the fear and anxiety quickly turned to sorrow and pain. 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."
SDLP councillor Paul Doherty echoed these sentiments, 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 expressed his condolences, emphasizing the fundamental right to 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."
As forensic teams continued their work and police maintained a large cordon around Mulberry Park and the surrounding streets, the community was left to grapple with the aftermath. While the investigation proceeds, the sense of unity among residents remains strong, even as they mourn one of their own and try to reassure their children that such violence is not the norm in their neighborhood.
In the days ahead, as Shane Lowry’s family prepares for his funeral and the legal process unfolds, Twinbrook stands together—united in grief, determined to support one another, and hopeful for healing after an unimaginable loss.
