The PSNI has launched a murder inquiry after the death of a woman in Co Down.
The victim has been named as mother-of-two Karen Cummings (40).
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the investigation.
It comes after one man was detained on Sunday afternoon when he presented himself at a police cordon after emerging from a nearby farmyard.
The police cordon was located outside a cemetery on the Dromore Road in Banbridge.
A PSNI spokesperson said they received a report at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday of an unconscious woman with a serious head injury inside a house in the Laurel Heights area of Banbridge.
Treatment was provided at the scene but Ms Cummings was pronounced dead a short time later.
A post-mortem examination will take place in due course, the PSNI added.
The police cordon at the cemetery on the Dromore Road in Banbridge where the male was detained. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
“Two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation,” said the PSNI.
“A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on Saturday evening, December 14 on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
“Meanwhile, a second man aged in his 30s, was arrested in the local area today also on suspicion of murder, and is in custody at present.
“Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are working to establish the full circumstances that led to this brutal and senseless murder.”
In a death notice posted on Sunday afternoon, Ms Cummings was described as a “devoted” mother.
“Karen (née McQuaid) devoted mummy of Curtis and Zara, cherished daughter of Margarita and stepdaughter of Andrew and loving granddaughter of Mary and the late Jim McQuaid,” it said.
“Karen’s heartbroken family ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate the devastating and tragic loss of Karen. Her mother’s residence will remain private until her funeral arrangements are announced.
“She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her heartbroken children, mother, stepfather, grandmother, her uncles Eugene and his wife Karen, Philip and his wife Alison and Martin and his partner Stephanie, her auntie Wendy, her cousins, her friends, her Paediatric nursing colleagues at Daisy Hill Hospital and the entire family circle.”
Forensics at the scene of the sudden death of a woman at a property in the Laurel Heights area of Banbridge on December 15, 2024 (photo by Kevin Scott)
District Commander for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Superintendent Brendan Green said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Cummings’ family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy at this time.
“Cordons remain in place today, Sunday December 15, and local residents will continue to see an increased visible police presence.
“Please be reassured that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.
“Local people will see our officers in and around the area. Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.
“I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1293 14/12/24.”
Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI24T22-P01).
Speaking on Saturday evening, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart appealed to the public to give those responding to the incident space.
“I am aware of a tragic incident that has occurred in Banbridge tonight which has sadly resulted in the loss of a life. My sympathies are very much with the family of the deceased at this very difficult time,” she said.
“The PSNI are currently holding the scene, and there will be a significant police presence in the area for some time. I would ask everyone to give officers the time and space they need to conduct their investigation.
“If anyone has any information that could assist the police, I would urge you to come forward as soon as possible.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this difficult situation.”
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson said the community was “reeling”.
“The local community in Banbridge is reeling from this heartbreaking news. My thoughts are first and foremost with this woman’s loved ones,” he said.
“Please give police space and time to conduct their inquiries. I would urge anyone with relevant information to make themselves known to the PSNI immediately.”
UUP MLA Doug Beattie also offered his condolences.
“Awful news from Banbridge. My thoughts are with the family and friends of this women and the police officers dealing with it,” he said.
Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage said the community had been left in shock.
“My heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life,” he said.
“The local community is shocked and saddened by the death of this woman and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Meanwhile, friends of Ms Cummings – who worked as a paediatric nurse – have been paying tribute to her online.
“Heaven has gained another beautiful angel,” said one post, while another friend said the news had left her “absolutely devastated”.
“My heart is so sore right now. Karen Cummings was one of the best girls I’ve ever met…thinking of her family and her friends right now,” added another.
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