Three arrested after death of woman in Belfast

By Rebecca Black, PA

A woman and two men have been arrested as police launched a murder probe following the death of a woman in east Belfast.

She was found dead with head injuries in a house in the Madrid Street area on Wednesday afternoon.

The woman was named by police as Kathryn Parton, known as Kat, who was 34 years old.

Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin said officers are working to establish what happened.

Ms Griffin said officers received a report of the death of a woman at 4.25pm on Wednesday, and upon arrival at the house discovered the body of a woman in a bedroom who had sustained serious injuries to her head.

She added: “Three people – a woman aged 43 and two men aged 22 and 23 – were arrested on suspicion of murder. All three remain in custody at this time.”

Ms Griffin said her thoughts are “first and foremost with Kathryn’s family, who are left trying to come to terms with their loss”.

“Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances,” she said.

“I am asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101. Please quote reference 1190 of 15/05/24.”

Alliance East Belfast MLA Peter McReynolds said it was “an extremely sad and distressing incident”.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the death of a woman in East Belfast,” he said.

“This is an extremely sad and distressing incident and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the victim.

“This tragic event has shocked local residents and the wider community upon hearing this upsetting news.

“There is absolutely no place for violence in our community and I appeal for anyone with information that could help the police in their investigations to get in touch with them immediately.”