Man arrested over murder of pregnant mother

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the homicide of a girl in Donaghadee, County Down.

Sarah Montgomery, a 27-year-old mom of two, was pregnant on the time of her demise.

Police acquired a report at roughly 14:15 BST on Saturday of an unconscious girl with a critical damage inside a home within the Elmfield Stroll space of the city. Ms Montgomery was pronounced useless on the scene.

Police cordons stay in place.

Det Ch Insp Tom Phillips mentioned: “Enquiries are at an early stage into this deeply tragic case.

“Our ideas are additionally with Sarah’s household throughout this extremely troublesome time – as they wrestle to return to phrases with what has occurred.”

He added that the household are being supported by “specifically skilled officers”.

North Space Ch Insp Yvonne McManus added: “We perceive this information will trigger shock and concern inside the neighborhood.

“We recognise the profound influence that violence towards ladies and women has on people, households and wider society.

“Addressing this difficulty stays a key precedence, and we’re dedicated to participating straight with the area people to supply assist, construct belief, and assist folks really feel secure.”

The Northern Eire Ambulance Service (NIAS) mentioned a speedy response paramedic and an emergency crew had been despatched to an incident in Enfield Stroll at about 14:14 on Saturday.

“Following evaluation and preliminary remedy, no sufferers had been taken from the scene,” a press release added.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill paid tribute to Ms Montgomery, including that her ideas had been together with her household and family members at this “heartbreaking” time.

“A younger girl together with her complete life forward of her, taken in probably the most devastating means,” the Sinn Féin vice-president posted on X.

“One other household left shattered. Two youngsters left with out their mummy.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly mentioned her coronary heart goes out to Ms Montgomery’s youngsters, household and mates.

“My coronary heart breaks for Sarah. Simply horrifying – one other girl murdered,” the Democratic Unionist Occasion (DUP) meeting member added.

She mentioned the work to deal with violence towards ladies and women is long run, “however I’m so indignant at each single homicide and act of violence. It should cease”.

North Down MP Alex Easton described the incident as “horrific” and mentioned there’s a deep sense of shock inside the neighborhood.

“It is completely horrible, there’s two small youngsters with no mum and who is aware of what the longer term holds for them,” he mentioned.

“Definitely I hope the area people will assist them. It is a completely tragedy, simply appalling.”

Easton additionally provided his sympathies to Ms Montgomery’s household.

“I used to be chatting with native residents and so they’re simply so gutted,” he added.

“She was a beautiful quiet particular person and for this to occur within the native space is only a full shock for everyone.”

Alliance councillor Hannah Irwin described it as a “heartbreaking” tragedy.

“I did not know Sarah personally however… I really feel considerably linked in that she’s a 27 12 months previous girl and I am standing right here as a 27 12 months previous girl and I simply cannot think about what she would have gone by and what her household and youngsters are going by proper now,” she added.

Irwin mentioned the incident as soon as once more shines a lightweight on the problem of violence towards ladies and women in Northern Eire.

“Sadly, Sarah is not the primary girl to go away in Donaghadee prior to now 12 months, or in Northern Eire.

“I’ve nearly misplaced depend on what number of ladies have handed away in tragic circumstances since 2020.”

Councillor John Hennessy mentioned the “local people is in full shock” at this “devastating incident”.

“My ideas exit to Sarah’s household and family members, particularly her youngsters.”

North Down meeting member Stephen Dunne mentioned he’s “deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating information”.

“My ideas and heartfelt sympathies are with Sarah’s household, her two younger youngsters, and all those that knew and cherished her.

“This horrific incident has shocked all the local people, and I do know many can be grieving and attempting to return to phrases with this loss.”