East Belfast murder probe: Victim is 19th woman killed in NI since 2020

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Kathryn Parton is the 19th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020 as Women's Aid expressed their condolences following her death in east Belfast.

She was officially identified by the PSNI following the discovery of her body on Wednesday.

A murder investigation has been launched by police following the death of the 34-year-old - who police said was pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained serious injuries to her head.

Her body was discovered at a house on Madrid Street shortly after 4pm on Wednesday.

It has been confirmed a woman aged 43 and two men aged 22 and 23 - were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police said all three remain in custody.

A local resident told UTV: "I seen the father at the front gate and he seemed shaken, and he said he found his daughter dead in the bedroom, it's devastating."

Women's Aid offered their sympathy to her family and the charity said she is the ninth woman murdered here under the age of 35 in the same period."

A statement from the organisation reads: "Please know our thoughts are with you all at this incredibly challenging time. We cannot fathom the depth of your pain at losing your loved one.

"Kathryn is the 19th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, and is the ninth woman murdered here under the age of 35 in the same period."

Kathryn 'Kat' Parton

Police remain at the scene of the incident as detectives from the PSNI's Major Investigation Team continue enquiries.

PSNI Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said: "A murder investigation was launched following the discovery of a body in a house in the Madrid Street area of the city on Wednesday afternoon, 15 May.

"Kathryn, who was known as Kat, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene, having sustained serious injuries to her head.

"Three people - a woman aged 43 and two men aged 22 and 23 - were arrested on suspicion of murder. All three remain in custody at this time."

Detective Inspector Griffin continued: "My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Kathryn's family, who are left trying to come to terms with their loss.

"Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances. I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101. Please quote reference 1190 of 15/05/24."

DUP party leader Gavin Robinson posted his condolences to the woman's family.

"Deeply saddened to hear about the shocking murder in Madrid Street. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones at this devastating time," he wrote.

"The @PoliceServiceNI are incredibly grateful for support of the community as they continue their investigations."

Alliance East Belfast MLA Peter McReynolds said the community was shocked.

Mr McReynolds said: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of a woman in east Belfast. This is an extremely sad and distressing incident and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the victim.

"This tragic event has shocked local residents and the wider community upon hearing this upsetting news.

"There is absolutely no place for violence in our community and I appeal for anyone with information that could help the police in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately."

Local Alliance councillor Fiona McAteer added: "I am deeply saddened to hear about the shocking death of a woman in East Belfast. My thoughts are with the family and the local community. Anyone that has information please get in contact with the police."

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in her 30s in the Madrid Street area of east Belfast. (Pic: PressEye)