A WOMAN found dead in east Belfast has been named as Alice Morrow.
The body of the 53-year-old was discovered in a flat in Whincroft Way in the Braniel estate and a 42-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody.
The man in custody was believed to be known to the victim, who neighbours described as a "quiet woman" who was often seen walking her two dogs in the area.
Detectives confirmed they were treating the woman's death as murder and were not seeking any other suspects in connection with the sudden death.
Forensic officers remained at the scene for most of Monday after the discovery the night before.
Alliance Party councillor Sian O'Neill news of the death was "absolutely horrendous" and a shock for those living in what is a very quiet part of the Braniel estate.
"It’s unimaginable what her family must be going through," she added.
DUP East Belfast MP Gavin Robinson also said the murder was "shocking news".
He said it was a "very settled community".
"People tend to know one another, they tend to support one another.
"There's a primary school just around the corner from where the incident took place."
Detectives have appealed for witnesses to contact them on 101.
The victim is the third woman to be murdered in their own home in Northern Ireland this year, following the deaths of Giselle Marimon-Herrera (37) and her 15-year-old daughter Allison in Newry last week.
Russell Steele (38), originally from Scotland, strangled the two woman and killed their pet dog before taking his own life.
Ms Marimon-Herrera was originally from Colombia and had arrived in Northern Ireland about four years ago.
Her daughter, who was born in Spain, had lived in Northern Ireland since 2017 and was a pupil at Newry High School.
Her family last night released a statement through the PSNI, thanking those who donated more than £5,000 to repatriate the bodies within days of their deaths.
"Following the murder of Giselle Marimon-Herrera and her daughter Allison in Newry, their family wish to thank the people of Newry for the kindness shown to them at this very sad time.
"They would also like to thank everyone who made donations to help them in their hour of need.
"As they try to come to terms with their loss they would also ask that media respect their privacy."
