Donaghadee: Man arrested over murder of pregnant mother

Donaghadee: Man arrested over murder of pregnant mother

A man aged 28 has been taken into custody on suspicion of the murder of a woman in Donaghadee, County Down. The victim, Sarah Montgomery, was a 27-year-old mother of two children and was expecting another child at the time of her tragic death. The authorities were alerted to the situation around 14:15 BST on Saturday after receiving a report about an unconscious woman with serious injuries in a residence on Elmfield Walk in the town. Unfortunately, Ms. Montgomery was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the police are continuing to maintain cordons in the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips stated that inquiries at this stage are in the early phases regarding this deeply saddening case. He also expressed condolences for Sarah’s family, acknowledging the immense difficulty they must be encountering as they attempt to comprehend the situation. Specially trained officers are providing support to the family during this trying time. Residents in the vicinity reported observing emergency services heading to the scene on Saturday afternoon when the incident transpired.

According to North Area Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus, the news has undoubtedly caused shock and concern within the local community. She emphasized the significant impact that violence against women and girls has on individuals, families, and society as a whole. Addressing this critical issue remains a top priority, and efforts to engage directly with the community to offer assistance, instill trust, and promote a sense of safety are ongoing. Alex Easton, the North Down MP, characterized the event as “horrific,” expressing profound shock within the community and offering sympathies to Sarah Montgomery’s family.

Hannah Irwin, an Alliance councillor, described the tragedy as “heartbreaking” and emphasized the need for society as a whole to contribute to fostering a safer environment for women and girls. She highlighted the prevalence of similar unfortunate incidents in recent years, underlining the urgency of addressing the ongoing issue of violence against women and girls. Councilor John Hennessy mentioned the utter shock pervading the local community due to this devastating occurrence, extending heartfelt thoughts to Sarah’s family, particularly her children. Meanwhile, North Down assembly member Stephen Dunne conveyed deep shock and sorrow upon hearing the distressing news, extending sympathies to Sarah’s family and friends, highlighting the profound impact on the entire community

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