A MURDER investigation has been launched after an Irish mum was found dead in the back garden of her parents’ house in Belfast.
Retired nurse Anne O’Neill, 51, was discovered seriously injured at a property on Ardmore Avenue in Finaghy on Saturday morning – shortly after neighbours heard a man issue a chilling warning.
The mum-of-two was pronounced dead at the scene behind the home of her parents – who were in the house at the time of the incident.
Two men were arrested in South Belfast later the same day on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
The PSNI are continuing to appeal for information and have urged local residents with CCTV cameras to come forward with their footage to assist their ongoing investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoffrey Boyce said: “I am appealing for anyone who resides in the Ardmore Avenue and Ardmore Park area of Finaghy and who have CCTV installed at their address to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on 101 quoting reference 338 21/10/17.
“Two men, aged 23 and 27, arrested on suspicion of murder remain in police custody at this time.”
Ardmore Avenue was closed off at the weekend as detectives and sniffer dogs carried out searches of the local area.
Detectives investigating the murder of Anne O'Neill in Finaghy yesterday morning continue to appeal for information https://t.co/BraVV2Vs8v
— PSNI (@PoliceServiceNI) October 22, 2017
A neighbour has told of how she was woken up by screams for help and a man shouting “I’m going to find you” before Ms O’Neill’s body was found on Saturday.
"I woke up and heard her screaming: 'Help me, help me'," the neighbour told the Belfast Telegraph.
"It was a really high-pitched voice, she was clearly terrified.
"Then I heard a male voice shouting: 'I'm going to find you'."
South Belfast MLA Máirtín Ó Muilleoir said there was “real shock” in the local area following Ms O’Neill’s tragic death.
“I have spoken with residents of Ardmore who were woken by a woman’s screams around 7am on Saturday,” he said.
“There is real shock and distress in the area at the news of this murder.
“I would appeal to anyone who can help bring the perpetrator or perpetrators to book to work closely with the PSNI.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information is asked to contact the PSNI on the non-emergency number 101.
Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
