Sister of Belfast murder victim determined to get justice
22 year old Mary Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in the space of six weeks.
The sister of a woman found dead in her home in South Belfast last Tuesday (October 1st) has paid tribute to her online, saying she's determined to get justice.
22 year old Mary Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in the space of six weeks.
The mother-of-one was last seen alive on the 25th of September and had recently reported to police that she'd been the victim of a violent crime.
In a post on social media her sister Louise said, “Mary we will get justice for you my girl I never did think in million years I would lose you.”
The PSNI said Ms Ward's loved ones "have been devastated and are struggling to come to terms with this tragic loss".
The spokesperson added, "Specialist trained family liaison officers continue to work with the family supporting them through this difficult period.”
The PSNI has referred itself to the watchdog over the case because of previous contact between Ms Ward and the force.
A PSNI spokesperson said, "Whilst at this time there is no suggestion of individual criminality or misconduct, we are nonetheless concerned about our organisational response."
A murder probe was announced on Monday night this week following what police have described as “extensive investigations by Detectives in Serious Crime Branch”.