Murder probe launched after ‘brutal and senseless’ death of Banbridge woman
Police have launched a murder inquiry following the “brutal and senseless” death of a 40-year-old woman in Northern Ireland.
Karen Cummings was discovered unconscious with a serious head injury inside a house in the Laurel Heights area of Banbridge at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday.
Officers and ambulance crews provided medical treatment at the scene, but Cummings was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
A post-mortem examination will take place in due course to determine the cause of death.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the investigation, with police cordons remaining in place around the area today.
A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. A second man, aged in his 30s, was detained on Sunday afternoon.
District Commander Superintendent Brendan Green said: “Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are working to establish the full circumstances that led to this brutal and senseless murder.”
Detectives have urged members of the public not to speculate as they conduct their investigation.
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Cordons remain in place and local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area through the rest of the evening.
Cummings was described as a “devoted mummy” to her children Curtis and Zara in a death notice posted on Sunday afternoon.
She worked as a paediatric nurse at Daisy Hill Hospital and was the cherished daughter of Margarita and stepdaughter of Andrew.
Her heartbroken family has asked for privacy “as they navigate the devastating and tragic loss of Karen.”
Another friend said they were “absolutely devastated,” adding: “My heart is so sore right now. Karen Cummings was one of the best girls I’ve ever met.”
Superintendent Green said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Cummings’ family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened.”
Alliance Party Deputy Leader Eóin Tennyson said the community was “reeling” from the “heartbreaking news.” Upper Bann DUP MP Carla Lockhart urged the public to give officers space to conduct their investigation.
Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage said: “The local community is shocked and saddened by the death of this woman and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.”