Murder victim Mary Ward had reported to the police that she’d been the “victim of a violent crime” in the weeks prior to her death, it has been revealed.
In a statement the Police Ombudsman has confirmed that their investigation has commenced and will focus on the PSNI’s response to this report.
“We offer our deepest condolences to Mary Ward’s family,” said a Police Ombudsman spokesperson.
“Following Ms Ward’s murder, we received a referral from PSNI on Sunday evening (6 October 2024). We have completed our initial review and have now commenced an independent investigation.
“In the weeks prior to her murder, Ms Ward reported to police that she had been the victim of a violent crime. Our investigation will focus on the police response to this report.”
A murder investigation was launched after the body of the 22-year-old was found at her home on Melrose Street in south Belfast on Tuesday October 1.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Foreman, who is leading the murder investigation, 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 September 25.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or been in contact with Mary on or around that date.”
Police at the scene on Melrose Street, south Belfast. Credit: Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph
Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said Ms Ward was 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,” she said.
“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)
Ms Ward’s family have paid tribute to her online.
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 added that they “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.”
Women’s Aid also 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 fourth woman to be killed in the last six weeks.”
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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, who is the MP for the area, said 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.
South Belfast MLA Deirdre Hargey said it was “absolutely devastating” to hear the death was now being treated as a murder.
“My heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life,” the Sinn Fein MLA said.
“This is the fourth woman to be murdered in the north in just six weeks. This is absolutely sickening. Violence against women and girls anywhere in our society is reprehensible and must be eradicated.
“The executive’s recently launched Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls sets out how it aims to tackle this scourge on our society. We must do everything we can to bring violence, harm and abuse of women to an end.
“The local community is shocked and saddened by the death of this young woman and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
News Catch Up: Monday 7th October