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."

Police are questioning themselves

David Blevins

Senior Ireland correspondent

@skydavidblevins

Four murders in six weeks will be a serious concern for police.

But the timing of this tragedy and concerns around how police handled it could not be worse for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

It comes days after police revised their Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan, rating these crimes alongside terrorism.

Not only has the life of another woman been taken, but police themselves are questioning their own response to her murder.

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."

Read more:Madeleine McCann suspect cleared of unrelated sex attacksWater firms ordered to return £157m on customer billsAsylum seekers describe fears after UK riots

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."