The PSNI in Derry has launched a major investigation after the body of a woman was found in a flat in the city centre in the early hours of Saturday morning.
A number of roads have been closed in Derry city centre as emergency services deal with the serious incident.
Local MLA Mark H Durkan says the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were called to the flat on Harvey Street at 5am.
“Harvey Street is the scene of a major police investigation this morning,” the SDLP MLA said.
“Fire Service responded to a fire in a flat at around 5 am this morning, where they made the harrowing and heartbreaking discovery that there was a woman, dead in the flat.
“This awful incident is being treated as suspicious. Our thoughts and prayers are with a family waking to the worst possible news this morning.
“Please, please come forward if you have any information at all that might help the police with their investigation.”
The PSNI are in attendance alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service at the scene on Harvey Street.
Part of Waterloo Street, home to a number of businesses, is partially closed with the PSNI asking the local community for patience while they attend the incident.
Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy has said the community is in total shock after police confirmed that a woman has been found dead.
Ms Duffy said: “The community is in shock today after police confirmed that a woman was found dead at a house in Harvey Street. They have also confirmed that a fire took place at the property.
“My immediate thoughts and prayers are with this woman’s family and friends. Police have confirmed an investigation is underway and are treating the death as suspicious.
“I would ask people to avoid the Harvey Street area at this time as the investigation continues. If anyone has information or footage which can assist enquiries they should contact the PSNI.”
The PSNI have appealed for information about the suspicious death.
“Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of a woman in Derry/ Londonderry.
“A fire was reported within a Harvey Street address at around 4.15am today, Saturday 24th August. Crews from NI Fire and Rescue Service attended.
“A woman was then discovered in ground floor flat. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Investigating officers would ask anyone with information, or who may be able to help with the investigation, to call 101 quoting reference number 225 24/08/24 or submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
“They are particularly keen to view any dash-cam or doorbell camera footage covering the area between 2am and 5am.”
