Northern Ireland

53-year-old man arrested on suspicion of Co Derry murder

Police forensics officers carried out a detailed examination at the scene of the murder of a 37-year-old woman at a glamping site near Limavady. Picture by Alan Lewis.
Police forensics officers carried out a detailed examination at the scene of the murder of a 37-year-old woman at a glamping site near Limavady. Picture by Alan Lewis. Police forensics officers carried out a detailed examination at the scene of the murder of a 37-year-old woman at a glamping site near Limavady. Picture by Alan Lewis.

POLICE are not looking for anyone else in connection with the suspected murder of a woman at a glamping site near Limavady following the arrest of a 53-year-old man.

The 37-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene at Swanns Bridge Glamping following reports of a stabbing.

Police said both the woman and the arrested man had been staying there.

Directly below Benbradagh Mountain, it is a popular tourist destination with easy access to Benone Strand, Downhill and Castlerock.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said officers were called at 8.20pm on Monday.

"While our inquiries are at an early stage, I can confirm that both the victim and the man who was arrested were holiday makers and that we are not looking for anyone else in relation to this tragic death," he said.

Police remained at the scene throughout yesterday as a full forensic investigation was carried out after other guests were moved out.

SDLP assembly member Cara Hunter said people were shocked and saddened.

"It really is such a quiet area. It's tragic that we have yet another young woman killed,” Ms Hunter said.

East Derry Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald called on anyone with information that could help the investigation to contact police. She offered her deepest condolences to the victim's family and friends.

DUP MP for East Derry Gregory Campbell also visited the scene yesterday.

Mr Campbell said the area was a very popular tourist destination on the main road between the north west and the Causeway coast.

"I understand they were visitors to the area. At this stage the police are still trying to make contact with family members. Everyone will be grieving with the deceased," Mr Campbell said.

Police said they were not in a position to release the victim's identity at present.