By Grâçia Ada Obi
A 22-year-old woman has been found dead in her home in Belfast, becoming the fourth woman in six weeks to be murdered in Northern Ireland.
Mary Ward was found dead at the property on Melrose Street in the city on Tuesday, October 1. Following initial investigations by detectives in the serious crime brand, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has now launched a murder investigation.
Cops say that they believe the young woman was last seen alive on Wednesday, September 25. They have encouraged anyone who saw Ms Ward on or around that date to come forward and assist with the investigation.
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, September 25. We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or been in contact with Mary on or around that date.
Ms Ward’s death has raised concerns, after becoming the fourth woman in six weeks to be murdered in Northern Ireland. Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher described the worrying trend as “absolutely appalling”, adding: “As a Police Service we recently revised our Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan and adopted the new national framework to align our 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. We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators.”
PSNI also added that it has referred itself to the Office of the Police Ombudsman due to previous contact with Ms Ward. The force said: “Whilst at this time there is no suggestion of individual criminality or misconduct, we are nonetheless concerned about our organisational response.”