Northern Ireland

Man arrested on suspicion of murder following death of woman (77) in Cookstown

A 45-YEAR-old man was arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder following the death of a woman in Cookstown.

The body of the 77-year-old was found at a house in the Ratheen Avenue area of the county Tyrone town yesterday morning.

A PSNI spokesperson said police were called to the house shortly before 11am, when the discovery was made.

The man arrested in connection with the death was located inside the property.

Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey appealed for anyone for information to contact police at Cookstown station.

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said news of the death had left a "terrible sense of shock, sadness and grief in Cookstown".

He added: "My thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those who knew her who will be devastated today. The PSNI has now launched a murder investigation and I would appeal to everyone to assist police with any inquiries."

Sinn Féin councillor John McNamee said: "This is a close-knit community, that's been left totally devastated by this shocking loss. I would ask people to keep the family in their prayers in the difficult days ahead."