Man arrested in Dublin in connection with murder of Mary Ward in Belfast

A man has been arrested in Dublin as part of the investigation into the murder of Mary Ward in Belfast.

The body of Ms Ward, 22, was found by police in Northern Ireland at her home in Melrose Street on October 1st.

The man in his 20s was arrested on Wednesday afternoon and is being held in a Garda station in Dublin.

An Garda Síochána say they are continuing to work closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this investigation.

She had reported to police in recent weeks that she had been the victim of a violent crime, the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland has said.

Ms Ward was last seen alive on Wednesday, September 25th, with sightings in Dungannon, Belfast’s Grand Central Bus Station and Melrose Street.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police are still working to establish the exact circumstances of Mary Ward’s death.

He said: “First of all, I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to Mary Ward’s family and friends who are experiencing unbearable suffering knowing that their loved one was taken from them in such a cruel way.

“Our specialist, trained family liaison officers are continuing to work with the family, providing support at this very difficult time.”