The family of a 22-year-old woman murdered in south Belfast have vowed to get justice for her.
A murder investigation was launched after the body of Mary Ward was found at her home on Melrose Street in south Belfast on Tuesday October 1.
Detective Chief Inspector Foreman, who is leading the Major Investigation Team investigating the murder 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.
“Whilst our investigation is at an early stage and we are working to establish the exact circumstances, we believe that Mary was last seen alive on Wednesday 25th September.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or been in contact with Mary on or around that date.
“I am asking anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant a detail may seem, to please contact us by calling 101. You can also submit information online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org ”
Police at the scene on Melrose Street, south Belfast. Credit: Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph
Head of Public Protection Branch Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher, said: “Mary Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in just six weeks.
“This is absolutely appalling. Four families have been shattered forever by meaningless violence.
“As a Police Service we recently revised our Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan and adopted the new national framework to align our response to this violence with that of terrorism and serious and organised crime. The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less.
“We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators.”
Police at the scene close to Melrose Street in south Belfast on October 6th 2024 (Photo by Kevin Scott)
Posting to social media her family have paid tribute to her.
They held a vigil during the week and let off balloons with her sister Louise posting “RIP my beautiful sister can’t believe we have to do this for you”.
She said they have “never went through a harder week”.
“But Mary we will get justice for you my girl – l never did think in a million years I would lose you.”
In a statement Women’s Aid expressed their “sincerest condolences” to Mary’s family and friends.
“We cannot begin to imagine the horrific pain you are experiencing at the moment, but please know our thoughts and hearts are with you all at this incredibly distressing time,” said a spokesperson.
“Mary was only 22-years-old and is the 24th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, and the 4th woman to be killed in the last six weeks.”
They urged anyone with any information to contact the police.
Following a review of the PSNI’s previous engagement with Mary, the case has been referred to the Office of the Police Ombudsman.
The PSNI said that whilst at this time there is no suggestion of individual criminality or misconduct, the force is nonetheless concerned about its organisational response.
Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP has said that an urgent and focused response is needed to tackle violence against women and girls.
Ms Hanna said: “It is so tragic that a young life has been cut short in this manner and my heart goes out to the friends and family of Mary Ward. I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to contact police and help with their investigation.
“This is another awful reminder of the shocking level of violence against women and girls that causes such harm in our society. That this is the fourth murder of a woman in just six weeks underscores the failure to get to grips with the causes and prevention of this issue, one that leaves Northern Ireland one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman.
“There must be a societal response to violence against women in girls, in our homes, in our workplaces and on our streets. No woman should have to live with the daily threat of violence or have their lives ended in this way.”