The body of a woman found in a house in east Belfast was discovered by her father, according to neighbours.
A murder investigation was launched on Thursday following the discovery of the body of 34-year-old Kathryn Parton, known as Kat.
Two men in their twenties and a woman in her forties are being questioned on suspicion of murder. The body was found at a house on Madrid Street.
Ms Parton, a mother-of-one originally from Comber, was described by neighbours as a “lovely person” to speak to and always up for a chat on the street when she was around.
She has lived by herself in the house for approximately five years, neighbours said.
Her father, Ernie, went to the terraced house off Templemore Avenue shortly after 4pm on Wednesday. It is understood he was concerned for her welfare.
He was able to gain access as the door was unlocked. He made the terrible discovery of the body lying in an upstairs room.
It is understood Ms Parton may have been dead for several days. She was the mother of a 13-year-old boy.
Police arrived in numbers within minutes of the alarm being raised, with the street described as “black” with cars as the murder investigation was launched.
A major investigation team is leading the murder inquiry.
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said officers received a report of the death of a woman at 4.25pm on Wednesday, and upon arrival at the house discovered the body of a woman in a bedroom who had sustained serious injuries to her head.
She added: “Three people - a woman aged 43 and two men aged 22 and 23 - were arrested on suspicion of murder. All three remain in custody at this time.”
Ms Griffin said her thoughts are “first and foremost with Kathryn’s family, who are left trying to come to terms with their loss”.
“Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances,” she said.
“I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101. Please quote reference 1190 of 15/05/24.” Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers.
Alliance East Belfast MLA Peter McReynolds said it was “an extremely sad and distressing incident”.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of a woman in East Belfast,” he said.
“This is an extremely sad and distressing incident and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the victim.
“This tragic event has shocked local residents and the wider community upon hearing this upsetting news.
“There is absolutely no place for violence in our community and I appeal for anyone with information that could help the police in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately.”
Police remained at the scene on Thursday as enquiries continued.
Deeply saddened to hear about the shocking murder in Madrid Street. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones at this devastating time. The @PoliceServiceNI are incredibly grateful for support of the community as they continue their investigations. https://t.co/q4ztrBKBFF
— Gavin Robinson (@GRobinsonDUP) May 16, 2024
