LAST UPDATE | 24 Aug

THE PSNI HAS launched a murder investigation into the death of a woman in a fire at a flat in the city centre of Derry.

The fire in a ground floor flat in Harvey Street occured in the early hours of this morning and was reported to police at around 4.15am.

Crews from the PSNI, the Northern Irish Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Irish Ambulance Service responded to the fire.

The victim, who has not yet been identified, was located in the bedroom of the flat.

“At this time, at what are the very early stages of our investigation, we are working to identify the victim who we believe may be aged possibly in her 40s to mid-60s.

“From our enquiries so far, we can tell you that the victim suffered a horrific attack and sustained multiple injuries,” Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said.

“We know this brutal murder has caused great concern, understandably, but we can assure you we are working at full pace to establish what happened and catch those responsible for this heinous and evil crime. You will see an increase in police presence in the city in the coming hours and days, and I’m grateful to members of the public for their ongoing support.”

A scene remains in place on Harvey Street this evening as police continue their investigations and a post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

Members of the public have been urged to contact the PSNI or crimestoppers if they have any information that may help with investigations. 

In particular, police are appealing for anyone in the Harvey Street area between 2am and 5am today and who may have heard anything remotely suspicious to come forward. 

Police are also appealling for anyone with CCTV, doorbell or dash-cam footage from this timeframe to contact them. 

“Our enquiries are ongoing in relation to a motive and we need the public’s help. Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be very helpful,” Detective Kelly said.

The PSNI have asked anyone with information to make it available by calling 101 and quoting reference number 225 24/08/24. Members of the public can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

With reporting from Steven Fox.