THE DEATH OF Belfast prison officer Adrian Ismay is now being investigated as a murder, following a post-mortem examination.

The father of three suffered serious leg injuries when a car bomb exploded underneath his van almost two weeks ago.

He was driving to work from his home on Hillsborough Drive when police believe the device fell off and partly detonated as the vehicle went over a speed bump.

He underwent surgery and subsequently returned home but was rushed to hospital again yesterday before he passed away.

A port-mortem was carried out and has now determined that the PSNI probe be upgraded to a murder investigation.

Dissident republicans calling themselves the New IRA claimed responsibility for the explosion in east Belfast.

One man has been charged with attempted murder and causing an explosion with intent to endanger life following the attack.

With Ismay’s killing now a murder, chief inspector Richard Campbell says that the PSNI is liaising with Northern Ireland’s Public Prosecution Service in relation to those charges.

Ismay died ten days after the attack with President Michael D Higgins among those who’ve expressed sympathy with his family

“His family will feel his loss most acutely, but his death is also a travesty to all of us who are committed to the cause of peace in Ireland,” President Higgins said yesterday.

“On behalf of the people of Ireland, I extend my heartfelt sympathy to officer Ismay’s family and colleagues.”

Read: ‘A day of profound sadness’: The prison officer targeted in Belfast bomb attack has died >

Read: ‘New IRA’ claims responsibility for Belfast prison officer attack >