16/09/2024

21-Year-Old Charged With Murder Of Woman In East Belfast

A 21-year-old man is due to appear in Belfast Magistrate's Court today charged with with murder of a woman in east Belfast.

Responding to a 'concern for safety' report, police attended a house on the Castlereagh Road shortly before 10.30pm on Friday, 13 September. At the property, officers discovered the body of 43-year-old Rachel Simpson in the garage beside the house.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: "A man, aged 21, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and he remains in police custody at this time.

"Officers remain at the scene as we continue with our investigation. A post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

"I am appealing to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area between 5pm and 10.30pm, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, to please contact Detectives on 101 and quote reference 1693 of 13/09/24.

"Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be very helpful. You can also report online using the non-emergency reporting form here or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here."

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