Murder investigation launched after body of woman discovered following a fire in Londonderry

The body of a woman has been found after a fire at a flat in Londonderry.Firefighters attended after reports of a fire at a property in Harvey Street at 4.15am on Saturday.The woman, who was found in a ground-floor flat, was pronounced dead at the scene.Police said they are investigating the circumstances around the “suspicious” death.Waterloo Street and Chamberlain Street have been closed and people have been advised to avoid the area.SDLP MLA for Foyle Mark H Durkan said a “major” police investigation was under way after the “harrowing and heartbreaking” discovery.“Our thoughts and prayers are with a family waking to the worst possible news this morning,” he said on Facebook.“Please, please come forward if you have any information at all that might help the police with their investigation.”Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference number 225 24/08/24, on online using the non-emergency reporting form on the PSNI website, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on its website.Police are in particular asking those with dash-cam or doorbell camera footage in the area between 2am and 5am to get in touch.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy has said the community is in total shock: “The community is in shock today after police confirmed that a woman was found dead at a house in Harvey Street. They have also confirmed that a fire took place at the property.

“My immediate thoughts and prayers are with this woman’s family and friends.

“Police have confirmed an investigation is underway and are treating the death as suspicious.

“I would ask people to avoid the Harvey Street area at this time as the investigation continues.

“If anyone has information or footage which can assist enquiries they should contact the PSNI."

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