13/09/2006

Caravan park murder victim died of stab wound to chest

A court has heard that a man found dead in a caravan in Northern Ireland was believed to have been stabbed once in the chest.

Police have been given more time to quiz a female suspect following the death of Francis Gerard Saunders, 47, at a caravan park on the Bryansford Road, Newcastle, on Sunday.

Police have launched a murder investigation after an autopsy found Mr Saunders had died from a laceration of the liver.

A detective investigating the killing confirmed the autopsy revealed a wound to the chest.

The court heard that the suspect had been questioned six times since her arrest but the detective admitted that he didn`t have any witness or forensic evidence at this stage to connect her to the killing.

The victim is understood to have come from the Belfast area. The suspect will remain in custody for another 36 hours.

Detectives in County Down have appealed for anyone who stayed in or visited the caravan park at any stage over the weekend to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(DS)

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