A 21-year old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a woman’s body in east Belfast.
Earlier today, police said upon responding to an incident at a home in the Castlereagh Road area a woman’s body was discovered in the garage.
The woman has been named as 43-year-old Rachel Simpson, from east Belfast.
A 21-year-old man was then arrested on suspicion of murder and has now been charged.
In a statement, a police spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating the murder of 43-year-old Rachel Simpson in east Belfast on Friday night, 13th September, have charged a man to court.
“The man, aged 21, has been charged with murder and is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday, 16th September.
“As is usual procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the PPS.”
Police at the scene of the murder in east Belfast overnight. Photo: Kevin Scott
Police forensic teams in white suits were pictured at the scene from Friday evening to Saturday afternoon.
Police at the scene of the murder in east Belfast overnight. Photo: Kevin Scott
The red-brick semi-detached property has been sealed off by police tape.
One local said: “There is a lot of shock in the community today.”
East Belfast UUP MLA Andy Allen said he was “deeply saddened” the learn of the murder.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of a woman in East Belfast,” he said. “My thoughts are with her family, friends and neighbours as they process this heartbreaking news.”
Alliance East Belfast MLA, Peter McReynolds also expressed his sympathies and said: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the heartbreaking news of the death of Ms Simpson. My sympathies are with her family and loved ones.
“The whole community is completely shocked upon hearing of devastating news. This is yet another tragic loss of a female life in the East Belfast area.
“I urge anyone with relevant information that could help the police in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately.”