POLICE LAUNCH MURDER INVESTIGATION AFTER WOMAN IS STABBED TO DEATH IN LISBURN ON CHRISTMAS DAY
A WOMAN has been murdered in a savage stabbing attack in Lisburn early on Christmas morning.
Her death has left the local community stunned.
A 19-year-old man has been arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.
Emergency services rushed to Mornington Lane in Lisburn at 6am on Christmas Day, following reports of a stabbing incident in the quiet residential street.
Four ambulance crews were dispatched to the horror scene. When they arrived, police officers were already attempting emergency resuscitation on one of the injured.
Three injured people were rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
The police are treating the woman’s death as murder.
Yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, from the PSNI’s serious crime branch, said detectives have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman at a house in the Lisburn area.
SDLP Lagan Valley MLA Pat Catney said: “People across Lisburn are in shock this morning.
“This should be a day families spend together, happy and grateful to have each other.
“Instead, a family is waking up on Christmas morning to news of
the death of a loved one.
“I can’t begin to imagine the pain they’re feeling today.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the woman’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“I understand police have launched a murder investigation.
“I would urge anyone with information, however small, about
what happened here to bring it forward as soon as possible,” the SDLP representative said.
A local resident told the BBC: “I saw the flashing lights, the ambulances, police cars and the crime scene investigators arrive. I’m completely in shock.
“It makes you feel lucky for what you have... it’s really bad.”
Alliance councillor Amanda Grehan, who represents the area said her thoughts were with the victim’s loved ones.
“This is a relatively new development, made up of people from all walks of life, and is usually very quiet.
“There is a shock among residents in the wider Mornington area, as they have never had to deal with anything like this here before.
“My thoughts are with the loved ones of the victim. Christmas Day is one most people spend with their families and is full of joyous moments.
“However, now we have one family plunged into grief and despair.
“I would urge anyone with information on this terrible incident to take it to police immediately.”