Police have launched a murder inquiry following the “brutal and senseless” death of a woman in Co Down.
The victim, who suffered a head injury, has been named as Karen Cummings, 40.
A death notice said she was a mother of two and had worked as a nurse.
Two men have been arrested over her death at a house in Banbridge on Saturday.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday evening, December 14, of an unconscious woman with a serious head injury inside a house in the Laurel Heights area of the town.
“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who provided medical treatment at the scene.
“Sadly the woman, who has been named as 40-year-old Karen Cummings, was pronounced deceased a short time later.
“A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.”
Detectives from our Major Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a woman in Banbridge on Saturday evening, 14th December. She has been named as 40-year-old Karen Cummings.
Two men have been arrested. More here: https://t.co/ift7SAkdSA pic.twitter.com/LQg8NIUGvn
— Police Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (@PSNIABC) December 15, 2024
The spokesperson added: “Two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
“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 inquiries 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.”
The spokesperson said the investigation is at an early stage and police are working to “establish the full circumstances that led to this brutal and senseless murder”.
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.”
A death notice from Heaney Keenan Funeral Directors said: “Karen’s heartbroken family ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate the devastating and tragic loss of Karen.”
Local representatives have told of their shock at the murder of Ms Cummings.
Alliance Party deputy leader and Upper Bann MLA Eoin Tennyson said it was an “absolutely shocking incident”.
He added: “Today is a dark day for the local community.
“My thoughts and condolences are with Karen’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
“Karen is the seventh woman now to be killed in Northern Ireland just this year. This is a devastating statistic, and violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated.”
Mr Tennyson added: “We must all recommit ourselves to the Executive’s recently launched framework to end violence against women and girls and do everything we can to put a stop to all forms of violence, harm and abuse in our society.”
Sinn Fein councillor Kevin Savage said: “My heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life.
“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.”
Police in Northern Ireland have made tackling violence against women and girls a priority for the force following a series of murders in the region in recent years.
