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23/08/2013
Man Charged With Murder Over Dromore Deaths
Detectives investigating the deaths of three women in the Dromore area have charged a 66-year-old man with murder.
Leslie Ross arrived at Armagh Magistrates' Court this morning, following charges last night of the murder of 47-year-old Michelle Bickerstaff in April 2012 and 50-year-old Margaret Weise in August 2007.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the third woman, 52-year-old Lily McKee, are to be reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
The charges came after the PSNI was granted an extra 36 hours to question Mr Ross over the deaths.
He was detained in the town on Tuesday morning and was taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Antrim police station for questioning.
The PSNI was granted the extra time on Wednesday. It said the suspect had also been arrested for a number of other offences in relation to other women.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness said: "We are keen to speak with anyone who may have any information which could assist us and I would urge members of the community in Dromore to contact us. People may have been reluctant to come forward in the past but I can assure you that any information given to the Police will be treated in the utmost confidence. Your information could provide us with the vital link to enable us to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion."
The PSNI is asking anyone with information to contact them on 028 38315339 from 9am to 10pm Monday-Friday.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
(IT/CD)
Leslie Ross arrived at Armagh Magistrates' Court this morning, following charges last night of the murder of 47-year-old Michelle Bickerstaff in April 2012 and 50-year-old Margaret Weise in August 2007.
The circumstances surrounding the death of the third woman, 52-year-old Lily McKee, are to be reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
The charges came after the PSNI was granted an extra 36 hours to question Mr Ross over the deaths.
He was detained in the town on Tuesday morning and was taken to the Serious Crime Suite at Antrim police station for questioning.
The PSNI was granted the extra time on Wednesday. It said the suspect had also been arrested for a number of other offences in relation to other women.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness said: "We are keen to speak with anyone who may have any information which could assist us and I would urge members of the community in Dromore to contact us. People may have been reluctant to come forward in the past but I can assure you that any information given to the Police will be treated in the utmost confidence. Your information could provide us with the vital link to enable us to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion."
The PSNI is asking anyone with information to contact them on 028 38315339 from 9am to 10pm Monday-Friday.
The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
(IT/CD)
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