Derry murder victim named as police make an arrest

A woman found dead in a house in Londonderry has been named as 65-year-old Montserrat Martorell Elias, police have confirmed.

The PSNI launched a murder investigation following the discovery of her body in a house in Harvey Street in Derry on the 24th of August.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service responded to reports of a fire at the house, along with the NI Ambulance Service and PSNI officers on Saturday. However, Ms Elias was pronounced dead at the scene.

At 5pm on Monday, police released an update: "Detectives investigating the murder of 65-year-old Montserrat Martorell Elias in the Harvey Street area of Derry / Londonderry in the early hours of Saturday, 24th August, have made an arrest.

"A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite for questioning, where he remains at this time.

Police have said they are keen to speak with a “white man, aged in his 30s, who was seen in the area wearing a grey jacket with hood up, blue jeans, trainers and a light-coloured shirt between 1am and 2am.”

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said: “A murder investigation was launched following the discovery of a body in a house in Harvey Street during the early hours of Saturday, 24th August. “From our enquiries so far, we can tell you that the victim suffered a horrific attack and sustained multiple injuries.

“I am aware of online speculation which is extremely unhelpful and deeply distressing to Ms Elias’ family, and would ask people to refrain from engaging in this. We will investigate any posts online which could potentially prejudice judicial proceedings.”

Detective Chief Inspector Kelly continued: “Our detectives are working at full pace to establish exactly what happened. At this stage, we are keen to speak with a white man, aged in his 30s, who was seen in the area wearing a grey jacket with hood up, blue jeans, trainers and a light coloured shirt between 1am and 2am.

“My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Ms Elias’ family and friends in Spain, who are left trying to come to terms with their loss.

"Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing. I am continuing to appeal to anyone who may have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101. Please quote reference 225 24/08/24."

Read More:

Murder investigation launched after woman's body found following a flat fire in Londonderry

Woman found dead in Derry flat fire suffered 'heinous and evil' attack say police

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