A woman was murdered weeks after telling police she had ‘been the victim of a violent crime’.
Mary Ward, 22, was found dead at an address on Melrose Street, Belfast, on Tuesday, October 1.
She is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in six weeks.
Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: ‘This is just absolutely appalling. Four families have been shattered forever by meaningless violence.’
She added: ‘We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators.’
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has referred the case to the police ombudsman due to ‘previous engagement’ with Ms Ward.
The Office of the Police Ombudsman confirmed it is investigating the police response to this Ms Ward’s report before her death.
Detective Chief Inspector Foreman, who is leading the murder investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Mary’s loved ones, who have been devastated and are struggling to come to terms with this tragic loss.
‘Specialist trained Family Liaison Officers continue to work with the family supporting them through this difficult period.
‘Whilst our investigation is at an early stage and we are working to establish the exact circumstances, we believe that Mary was last seen alive on Wednesday 25th September.
‘We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or been in contact with Mary on or around that date.
‘I am asking anyone with any information, no matter how small or insignificant a detail may seem, to please contact us.’
In the last four years, 24 women have been murdered in Northern Ireland. Four of them, including Ms Ward, were killed in a six week period this year.
Rachel Simpson, a 43-year-old mother of three, was found dead in a garage on Castlereagh Road in Belfast on September 13.
She was described as a ‘fearless warrior’ with a heart of gold at her funeral, which was attended by hundreds, many dressed in leopard print – her favourite style.
Her son Nathan Simpson, 21, has appeared in court charged with the murder. He had been released from prison seven days before his mother’s death.
District Judge Steven Keown remanded Mr Simpson in custody until October 14.
Montserrat Martorell, 65, had multiple injuries when her body was found in the bedroom of a burning ground floor flat on Harvey Street, Derry, on August 24.
The Spanish woman had suffered a ‘horrific attack’, according to police, who struggled to identify her due to her injuries.
Ciaran Murray, 28, from Gortfoyle Place, was charged with murder, along with arson with intent to endanger life.
Sophie Watson, 57, was found dead with multiple stab wounds at a house in Ashgrove Park, Magherafelt, on August 18.
Andrzej Pajaczkowski, 43 and from Ashgrove Park, has been charged with her murder.
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