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A police van transporting Leslie Ross, arrives at Armagh court in Northern Ireland where he was been charged with the murders of Michelle Bickerstaff and Margaret Weise last week. Paul Faith/PA Wire/Press Association Images

Death of fourth woman to be investigated in Dromore

Peggy Stronge was 58 years old when she was found dead in Dromore in July 1982.

Updated 23.33

DETECTIVES IN NORTHERN Ireland investigating the deaths of three women in the county Down town of Dromore have confirmed they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death of another woman in the area.

As part of the overall probe, the death of Peggy Stronge is to be reviewed, the PSNI said in a statement this evening.

The 58-year-old local woman was found dead at Moss Lane in Dromore on 10 July 1982.

“My officers have advised the Stronge family of this development,” explained Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness. “I believe it is an appropriate and necessary step, given our current understanding of events in the town.”

We will progress the review as quickly as possible. I would like to repeat my appeal to the community in Dromore for information about all these deaths. My officers are keen to speak with anyone who may have any information which could assist our inquiries.

Well-known stonemason, Leslie Ross, has been charged with two counts of murder in relation to the deaths of 47-year-old Michelle Bickerstaff in April of last year and 50-year-old Margaret Weise in August 2007.

Detectives have also prepared a file for the Northern Ireland Public Prosecution Service in relation to the death of Elizabeth McKee (52) in December 2002.

The 66-year-old has also been charged with indecent assault, gross indecency with a child and indecently assaulting a female child. He did not apply for bail but has denied all allegations through his solicitor.

The accused’s house in Dromore has been painted with graffiti since he was arrested for questioning earlier this month.

Police have appealed for anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward. The PSNI can be contacted on 0044 28 38315339, and Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

Originally published 17.03

Pictures: Dromore stonemason charged with killing two women appears in court

Read: Man charged with murdering two women in Dromore

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