THERE was much shock and sadness at the tragic death of equestrian enthusiast Colin Prime this week, following an assault in Belfast in January.

A serving policeman, Colin is the son of well known couple Carol and Jim Prime of Prime Photography, so well regarded and known north and south by many for their coverage of the equestrian circuit.

In his youth, Colin was a gifted member of Mounted Games and along with his brother Brian, had competed at European Championship level.

A father of two, Colin (41), from Banbridge, was off duty at the time of this assault which took place in a car park in South Belfast on Sunday, January 29th, as he waited for a lift home.

Very sadly, he died on Monday of this week as a result of the injuries he received that night in the vicious assault.

A full police investigation is under way into the incident - it is not thought that the assault was connected to Colin’s job as a policeman.

It’s reported that three men were involved in the incident which occurred at the junction of Malone Road and Eglintine Avenue between 3am and 3.30am. They were arrested and remain on police bail. Detectives have appealed to members of the public for any assistance they can give and are interested in obtaining any dash-cam footage available.

Colin is survived by his parents, his wife Louise, children Kobi and Odin, his brother Rory and his wife Linn and his nieces Emily and Maya. Tributes have been paid to Colin by his colleagues in the police service who expressed deep sympathy to his bereaved family.

Former Mounted Games team mates also remembered Colin for his kindness, fun and good humour.

The Irish Field extends its deepest sympathies to Colin’s family at this difficult time.