Watch: Forensics teams arrive at the scene of holidaymaker murder

Tuesday, 13 July 2021 12:34

Forensics officers examine the scene near the murder

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A rural community in Northern Ireland has been left stunned after a woman holidaymaker was stabbed to death in a popular tourist area.

A man, who is also a holidaymaker, has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident at a glamping site near Limavady in Co Londonderry.

A rural community has been left stunned after a woman holidaymaker was stabbed to death in a popular tourist areahttps://t.co/3Uesez2KAX
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) July 13, 2021

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “We received a report, just after 8.20pm (on Monday), that a woman had been stabbed at an outdoor accommodation site on Seacoast Road.

“Officers attended, along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service but, sadly, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was 37 years old.

“A man, aged 53, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of her murder, and he remains in custody this morning.

“While our inquiries are at an early stage, I can confirm that both the victim and the man who was arrested were holidaymakers.

“We are not looking for anyone else in relation to this tragic death.”

Police had earlier said that a man in his 50s was injured in the incident.

(Forensic officers at the scene this morning. Credit: McAuley Multimedia)

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said: “Unfortunately last night a murder has taken place of a 37-year-old woman. As police understand it, it was two holidaymakers. It is a deeply unfortunate and heart-breaking event.

“I have spoken with local residents who have voiced their sympathies with the family, and it is really devastating because this is such a beautiful, welcoming area.

“We welcome thousands of visitors every year, and something like this happening is unheard of. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends today.

“This is a close-knit community, a farming community, and a lot of visitors come here. This is unheard of and shocking.”

East Londonderry DUP MP Gregory Campbell: “It is a very, very popular scenic tourist site. It is the main road between the north-west and the Causeway coastal road. Many, many tourists use this, and people on day trips.

“It appears that there has been a tragedy where one person has lost their life. Our thoughts would be with the family.

“I understand they were visitors to the area. At this stage the police are still trying to make contact with family members. Everyone will be grieving with the deceased.”