Detectives in Belfast are treating the tragic death of a young woman in the city as murder.
Mary Ward, aged 22, as found dead by police officers at her home on Melrose Street, Belfast on Tuesday 1st October.
Following extensive investigations by Detectives in Serious Crime Branch, a murder investigation has been launched.
Ms Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in just six weeks.
“This is absolutely appalling. Four families have been shattered forever by meaningless violence,” said Head of Public Protection Branch Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher.
Detective Chief Inspector Foreman, who is leading the Major Investigation Team investigating the murder said: “Our thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mary’s loved ones, who have been devastated and are struggling to come to terms with this tragic loss. Specialist trained Family Liaison Officers continue to work with the family supporting them through this difficult period.
“Whilst our investigation is at an early stage and we are working to establish the exact circumstances, we believe that Mary was last seen alive on Wednesday 25th September. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or been in contact with Mary on or around that date.”
The police have said they will be “relentless” in their pursuit of the perpetrators of violence against women.
The PSNI recently revised its Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan and adopted the new national framework to align its response to this violence with that of terrorism and serious and organised crime.
“The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less,” said Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher.
