In the early hours of Monday, September 15, 2025, the quiet community of Lisburn, Northern Ireland, was jolted by a violent tragedy that has since left residents reeling. Barry Furfey, a 42-year-old local man described by friends as a "lovely fella," was discovered gravely injured in an apartment on Wardsborough Road. Despite the efforts of emergency services, Furfey died later that morning in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The subsequent investigation has not only led to murder charges against two individuals but has also cast a spotlight on the deep sense of loss and unease now gripping the area.
According to statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the chain of events began just before 1 a.m. when a security guard at the apartment complex reported a man appearing unwell, initially suspecting a drug overdose. Emergency services, including ambulance crews and police officers, responded swiftly. Detective Inspector Jill Angus explained, “Police received a call for assistance from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service just before 1am on Monday morning, September 15, at a property in the Wardsborough Road area of the city. Officers attended, and a man, aged 42, was located at the property with serious injuries. Medical treatment was provided at the scene – before he was transferred onward to hospital. Sadly, the man then passed away this morning due to the extent of his injuries.”
As reported by BBC News, Barry Furfey was found unconscious in the living room of the flat. CPR was performed for nearly an hour before he was transported to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 6:00 a.m. Staff at the hospital observed head injuries and bleeding, while police at the scene noted bruising to his face and head. A postmortem later revealed that Furfey had suffered blunt force trauma to the head and rib fractures—injuries that, according to the pathologist, were "not consistent with a fall" but rather indicative of an assault. Additional bruises on his upper limbs were consistent with "gripping and defense."
Within days, the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team had charged two people in connection with the death: Jamie Lawrie Spence, 37, of no fixed abode in Belfast, and Melissa Atkinson, 38, of Wardsborough Road, Lisburn. Both appeared before Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, charged with murder. The case quickly drew significant public and media attention, as details from the court proceedings began to emerge.
During the court hearing, Detective Inspector Jill Angus outlined the circumstances leading up to Furfey’s death. She told the court that both Spence and Atkinson had bruised knuckles and blood on their clothing when police arrived. Mr. Spence admitted to police that he had punched Furfey twice in the face following an incident where Furfey allegedly touched Atkinson’s leg. However, Spence insisted, according to Breaking News, that the blows were "not full strength," describing them as "a punch that you would give your cousin, not a full-strength punch, and he didn’t fall to the ground." Spence claimed that after the punches, the two men shook hands and that Furfey’s fatal injuries occurred later when he fell off a chair.
Atkinson, for her part, denied any knowledge of Furfey touching her leg or witnessing an altercation. She maintained throughout police interviews that she had not seen Spence assault Furfey. Atkinson explained that the blood found on her clothing was from a foot injury caused by broken glass, and that her bruises were due to anemia. Nonetheless, police remained skeptical, especially given that both accused had bruised knuckles and that the evidence at the scene pointed to a violent struggle.
The court also heard that both Spence and Atkinson had remained at the property for the arrival of emergency services, and that they had approached the security guard to call for an ambulance, claiming they could not find a phone themselves. However, police later found five phones inside the flat. CCTV footage showed the pair leaving the apartment in a "very casual manner, in no rush, and walking to the security booth," as described by the detective inspector.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan refused bail for both accused, citing the seriousness of the charges, the potential for interference with witnesses, and concerns about public disorder. “There is evidence of a disturbance in the flat where you were present,” the judge told Atkinson, adding, “The blood on your clothing now needs further investigating.” The court also noted heightened community tensions in the area, with concerns for Atkinson’s safety should she return to Lisburn. Both accused were remanded into custody and are scheduled to appear again via videolink on October 13, 2025.
The murder of Barry Furfey has sent shockwaves through Lisburn, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from friends and neighbors. Social media was flooded with messages remembering Furfey as a kind and helpful person. One tribute read: "So sad. Barry was a lovely lad and quite would do anything for us. Rest easy, Barry." Another commented, “Totally sickened and saddened by this. Poor fella did not deserve this horrible death.”
Local political leaders were quick to express their sympathies and urge the community to support the police investigation. Sinn Féin councillor Declan Lynch remarked that the murder occurred "in the heart of Lisburn," leaving the entire community in shock. He asked residents to avoid speculation and allow the police to "conduct their investigations to come to a proper conclusion." Alliance Party councillor Nicola Parker echoed these sentiments, stating, "This tragic incident has left many residents in the community feeling shocked and distressed, but I am confident they will unite during this challenging time. The PSNI now need space to carry out their investigations but I would appeal to anyone who may have information that could assist, to please contact police.”
SDLP councillor Pat Catney visited the Wardsborough Road area and spoke of the fear and sadness among locals. He expressed "sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who lost his life," and commended the police response, while also highlighting concerns about the PSNI’s resources to investigate such crimes. “We have seen far too many violent deaths already this year and the PSNI must be supported to bring those responsible to justice,” Catney said.
As police continue their investigation, the Wardsborough Road area remains under increased patrol, with cordons still in place. The PSNI have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing clarity and justice to a case that has deeply unsettled Lisburn.
For now, the city mourns Barry Furfey—a man remembered for his warmth and kindness—as it anxiously awaits further developments in a case that has left so many questions and a lingering sense of unease.
