Woman murdered in east Belfast named as 34-year-old Kathryn Parton

A woman murdered in east Belfast has been named as 34-year-old Kathryn Parton.

Ms Parton, believed to be a mother, was found dead at a house in the Madrid Street area on Wednesday afternoon by her father.

A resident told UTV: "I saw the father at the front gate and he seemed shaken, and he said he found his daughter dead in the bedroom, it's devastating."

The victim was discovered in a bedroom with serious head injuries. Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder, a 43-year-old woman and two men aged 22 and 23. Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said officers are working to establish what happened.

She said police received a report of the death of the woman shortly before 4.25pm on Wednesday. “On arrival, officers located the body of a woman in a bedroom who had sustained serious injuries to her head,” she said. “Inquiries remain ongoing in order to determine exactly what has happened, and to date we have made three arrests in connection with the investigation. “A woman aged in her 40s, and two men, both aged in their 20s, have all been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at this time.” Ms Griffin said police remained at the scene on Thursday morning, and made an appeal for witnesses. “I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference 1190 15/05/24,” she said. “Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”.

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