POLICE are treating as suspicious the death of 64-year-old teacher May Stevens in her north Belfast home.
Ms Stevens's body was found in Lismoyne Park, off the North Circular Road, at around 3am yesterday.
Police said Ms Stevens was last seen alive late on Saturday evening.
Her body was found by police shortly after officers spotted a suspected stolen car driving through a red light. When they traced the car to its owner's address the front door of the house was open.
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery said: “At this stage we are treating Mrs Stevens’ death as suspicious. We now know that her car was stolen between 1.30am and 2am on Sunday before it was found abandoned in Glenbank Place at around 6.45am.
“I am keen to trace the movements of the car, a red Hyundai I30, bearing registration plates NRZ 3370, in north Belfast between 1.30am and 6.45am. The vehicle has damage to its nearside. I would also like to speak to anyone who has information about two men who were seen walking away from the car after it was abandoned in Glenbank Place in the direction of the Crumlin Road.
“I am investigating a possible link to two other attempted burglaries in the area in the early hours of Sunday morning – one of which was also in Lismoyne Park.
“I can fully understand the shock and devastation felt in the community today following this sickening incident."
DCI Montgomery said the results of a post mortem are not yet known.
Ms Stevens had worked as a maths teacher in Boys' Model and Newtownabbey Region College and the senior officer said she had "touched the lives of many people living in this community".
“This incident has left the Stevens’ family mourning the loss of a wife, mother and sister. Mrs Stevens was looking forward to becoming a grandmother.
“We take the issue of crime against older people extremely seriously and remain committed to putting those responsible before the courts. We work to prevent such crimes, to catch those responsible for incidents which do occur and to help older people keep themselves and their home safe. We understand the effect that burglary can have on its victims and want to reassure the community that we are undertaking thorough and robust investigations into these crimes.
“I am appealing for anyone who has any information about this incident to contact detectives in Musgrave Street on 101 Ext 17019, alternatively, information can also be provided about either incident to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”back to its address they discovered the front door of the house was open.
Neighbours told last night of their shock at the possible sudden death.
"It's the last night you'd imagine happening in the street - it's normally so quiet," one woman who did not wish to be named said.
Last month, retired teacher Robert Flowerday was found dead at his home in Crumlin, Co Antrim, hours after attending church.
Michael Owens (33) from Lisburn Road in Glenavy has been charged with his murder and is also accused of the burglary of Mr Flowerday’s home on December 6 last year when he allegedly stole £100 cash.
