Police have launched a murder inquiry following the “brutal and senseless” death of a woman in Banbridge, Co Down.
The victim has been named as 40-year-old Karen Cummings.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson said: “Police received a report at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday evening, December 14th, of an unconscious woman with a serious head injury inside a house in the Laurel Heights area of the town.
“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who provided medical treatment at the scene.”
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Police said Ms Cummings was pronounced dead a short time later, and a postmortem examination would take place.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation. One man (42) was arrested at the scene on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
A second man (30s) was arrested in the local area on Sunday on suspicion of murder and also remains in custody.
The PSNI spokesperson said the investigation is at an early stage and police are working to “establish the full circumstances that led to this brutal and senseless murder”.
District commander for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Supt Brendan Green said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Cummings’ family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy at this time.
“Cordons remain in place today, Sunday December 15th, and local residents will continue to see an increased visible police presence.
“Please be reassured that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.
“Local people will see our officers in and around the area.
“Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.”
A death notice from Heaney Keenan Funeral Directors said: “Karen’s heartbroken family ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate the devastating and tragic loss of Karen.”
Local representatives have told of their shock at the murder of Ms Cummings.
Alliance Party deputy leader and Upper Bann MLA Eoin Tennyson said it was an “absolutely shocking incident”.
He added: “Today is a dark day for the local community.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Karen’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
“Karen is the seventh woman now to be killed in Northern Ireland just this year. This is a devastating statistic, and violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated.”
Mr Tennyson added: “We must all recommit ourselves to the Executive’s recently launched framework to end violence against women and girls and do everything we can to put a stop to all forms of violence, harm and abuse in our society.”
Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage said: “My heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life.
“The local community is shocked and saddened by the death of this woman and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Police in Northern Ireland have made tackling violence against women and girls a priority for the force following a series of murders in the region in recent years.
– PA