Woman, 22, found dead in Belfast as murder investigation launched

A murder investigation has been launched after a 22-year-old woman was found dead in Belfast.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the body of Mary Ward was found at her home in Melrose Street in the city on Tuesday last week.

Police believe Ms Ward was last seen alive six days earlier on Wednesday 25 September and want to speak to anyone who was in contact with her on or around that date.

Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said Ms Ward is "the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in just six weeks".

"This is absolutely appalling," the senior officer added.

"Four families have been shattered forever by meaningless violence."

Chief Supt Fisher said the force had recently revised its "tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) action plan" and its response to that form of crime is now aligned to "that of terrorism and serious and organised crime".

"The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less," she added.

"We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators."

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On the investigation into Ms Ward's death, the PSNI said the case had been referred to the Office of the Police Ombudsman following a review of the force's "previous engagement with Mary".

The force said there is "no suggestion" of misconduct but it is "nonetheless concerned about our organisational response".

Detective Chief Inspector Foreman, who is leading the major investigation team in the case, 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."

(c) Sky News 2024: Woman, 22, found dead in Belfast as murder investigation launched