Woman was victim of a “brutal and cruel attack”

A woman who was murdered in a Londonderry flat was the victim of a “brutal and savage attack”, a senior police officer said.

The body of the woman, whose identity police have not yet confirmed, was found in the bedroom of a ground floor flat in Harvey Street following a fire at around 04:15 BST on Saturday morning.

Teams from the Northern Ireland Fire Service and Emergency Services went to the property where the discovery was made.

Ch Insp Anthony Kelly, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) major investigation team, said the victim suffered numerous injuries and he was convinced a weapon was used in the attack.

At this point, police believe the deceased woman was between 40 and mid-60s.

“Based on our investigation to date, we can advise you that the victim suffered a horrific attack and sustained numerous injuries,” said Ch Insp Kelly.

“We know this brutal murder has caused great concern, but we can assure you that we are working flat out to find out what happened and to catch those responsible for this heinous and evil crime.

“You will see an increased police presence in the city in the coming hours and days.”

Ch Insp Kelly appealed to anyone who was in the Harvey Street area between 4am (BST) and 5am (BST) on Saturday and noticed any unusual activity to contact them.

They also urged anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dashboard camera footage to do the same.

Teams from the Northern Ireland Fire Service and Emergency Services went to the property where the discovery was made.

On location: Kevin Sharkey, BBC News NI

As details of this murder emerge this evening, there is a palpable shock here in Derry.

In the surrounding streets, people can hardly believe the cruelty of this murder.

There is also a significantly increased police presence in the surrounding streets.

The police now face two major challenges: identifying the victim and finding her killer.

Major police investigations are currently underway here.

Locals were stunned when they learned of this tragedy in a residential area of ​​the city.

A large area around the crime scene is cordoned off and access to Waterloo Street is restricted.

SDLP councillor John Boyle visited Harvey Street and said it was a “very, very sad scene”.

“I think the only thing I can reflect on is the terrible shock and dismay felt by the people on the ground when they woke up this morning to the news of this woman's death and the circumstances of her death,” he said.

“Obviously we are now in a situation where we have to allow the police to conduct their investigation.”

SDLP MP Mark H. Durkan said it was “shocking and heartbreaking” news.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said parts of nearby Waterloo Street and Chamberlain Street were closed.

Traffic disruptions are to be expected and the area should be avoided.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact them.

They are particularly interested in viewing footage from dashboard or doorbell cameras covering the period between 02:00 (BST) and 05:00 (CET).

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said the community was in “total shock”.

“My thoughts and prayers are with this woman’s family and friends,” she said.