Man charged with a number of offences following Marie Conlon death

By David Hunter

Detectives investigating the death of Marie Conlon in west Belfast have charged a 23 year-old man.

He's accused of several offences related to theft, fraud, burglary and preventing the lawful burial of a body.

The suspect has been released unconditionally on suspicion of murder while further forensic examinations are carried out.

He will appear in court on the 6th of November.

Meanwhile,

Neighbours of the pensioner who may have lain undiscovered for more than two years say it's devastating.

This woman lives just a few doors from the block where 68-year-old Marie Conlon was found dead.

Marie's remains was discovered in her bed one week ago.

Officers forced entry to Marie's home in Larkspur Rise on Friday after concerns were raised.

Forensic teams have left Larkspur Rise in West Belfast with a number of evidence bags. 23Y/O remains in custody over murder of Marie Conlon pic.twitter.com/78vh7iMU6M

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 12, 2017

The 68 year old was last seen alive in January 2015 and post mortem examinations show she was likely dead from this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson said: "Authorities were alerted on Fridayafter concerns were raised about the welfare of 68 year old Marie Conlon.

"Officers forced entry to her Larkspur Rise home and discovered her deceased in bed. It was apparent that she had lain undiscovered for some time.

"A post mortem examination was carried out and the results suggest that the death may have been suspicious. Further testing is due to take place."

Detectives have revealed the last known sighting of Ms Conlon was in January 2015.

Medical evidence leads them to believe that her death may have occurred around that time.