A man in his 20s has been arrested in Dublin this afternoon in connection with the murder of Mary Ward.
A murder investigation was launched by the PSNI after Ms Ward (22) was found dead by officers at her home on Melrose Street, Belfast October 1.
Detectives attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation arrested Wednesday afternoon a man on suspicion of the murder of Ms Ward.
The male is detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in Dublin, according to a garda statement, which adds that gardaí have commenced a murder investigation in accordance with provisions under the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976.
“An Garda Síochána continues to work closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this investigation,” the statement adds.
In a separate statement, the PSNI identified the suspect as a 26-year-old man.
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable in the Crime Department, Davy Beck, said that family liaison officers are working with Ms Ward’s family to provide support.
“Whilst our investigation is progressing at pace, we are still working to establish the exact circumstances of Mary’s death.
“I am appalled that there has been another murder of a woman in Northern Ireland.
“Mary is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in just six weeks. This is simply unacceptable and too many women are losing their lives at the hands of men,” he said.
“Sadly, a young man, Kyle McDermott, also lost his life at the weekend. While, a man was charged with manslaughter and has today appeared before court, I must emphasise that these acts of violence have no place in our society,” ACC Beck added.