Detectives investigating the brutal murder of a man in Belfast, John Mongan (30), have appealed to people in Fermanagh for their help in tracing the movements of a vehicle which was found burnt out near Kesh seven hours afterwards.

"We are renewing our appeal," a PSNI spokesman stated, "for information about the movements of a green coloured vehicle in the days and hours leading up to the murder through to later that morning Thursday 7 February.

"We believe the Isuzu Trooper long wheel base 4x4 VRM CNZ 5680, was in the area of Fallswater Street, West Belfast at around 2.30am before being seen travelling west on the M1 Motorway.

"It is then believed to have passed through Clogher village shortly before 3.30am. The burnt out remains of the vehicle were discovered at Derrybrick Road, Kesh at around 9am that morning. The remains were subsequently removed by police for examination."

Mr Mongan was hacked to death by a gang of four men who broke into his home just after 2am. The gang were armed with machetes and hatchets. The man's wife, who was heavily pregnant and has since given birth, was injured in the attack.

A spokesman for the Travellers Support Group said the Mongan family had no idea why Mr Mongan was attacked: "He was well-known to us within the Support Group. We have been working with him since he was a young boy. Many of his family are staff within the Support Group."

On Monday of this week, two men and a 15-year old youth appeared in Court in Belfast, charged with the murder. The adults were both from Derry, Christopher Stokes (32) and Edward Stokes (36). A Detective Inspector told the Court he believed he could connect all three with Mr Mongan's murder.

All three were remanded in custody to appear back in Court next month.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Grosvenor Road on 0845 600 8000. Alternatively members of the public can pass information anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.