MOTHER-OF-THREE Jennifer Dornan was stabbed in a fatal attack in her west Belfast home, police have revealed.
Detectives investigating the murder have released an image of a knife similar to one which they believe was used to attack the 30-year-old and said they are following a definite line of enquiry.
The knife is almost 14 inches long and has distinctive orange and white markings and police believe a similar knife was used to stab Ms Dornan before her home at Hazel View in Lagmore was set on fire.
Police also said they are trying to trace a man seen leaving Ms Dornan’s home at 4.20am on Sunday who they believe walked from Hazel View, through Lagmore to Poleglass.
The officer leading the investigation, Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes from Serious Crime Branch, said: “I can confirm that Jennifer was stabbed during the attack early on Sunday morning.
"We are appealing to anyone who has come across a knife like this since Sunday to contact us. We are grateful to the community for the enormous amount of assistance they have provided in the past few days and would ask for their continued support.
“We are following a definite line of enquiry. A 39-year-old man remains in custody being questioned about withholding information. Other enquiries are continuing.
“We are particularly interested in the movements and whereabouts of a man seen leaving Jennifer’s home at 4.20am on Sunday. We believe he walked from Hazel View, through Lagmore to Poleglass. We believe he was wearing a grey tee-shirt or sweat top and a light coloured bomber jacket.
“At some stage, we believe he got rid of the grey top and light coloured jacket and obtained a red and gold sports jersey.
“We are appealing to anyone who lives on the route between Hazel View and Poleglass and who has knowledge of any of these items of clothing or the knife to contact us.
“I would ask people to ring detectives on the non-emergency number 101 or use the independent charity Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 if you don’t want to provide your details.”
