Menu
21/09/2006
Ballymena murder victim 'strangled'
Police have today confirmed that the young woman whose body was found in a car park in County Antrim on Tuesday, was strangled.
A murder inquiry was officially launched yesterday, following the results of a post mortem examination.
The victim has since been named as 24-year-old Shirley Finlay from Crebilly Road in the town, who was found wrapped in a duvet in a car park in the Mount Street area at around 3.30pm.
Police have confirmed that they are investigating the possibility of a sexual motive for her murder.
Detectives in Ballymena are trying to trace the movements of Ms Finlay in the hours leading up to her death, and have appealed to the public to come forward with any information which may be relevant to the investigation.
Ms Finlay has been described as being around 5ft in height, of slim to medium build, and was wearing a grey coloured fleece.
She is said to have been “a very vulnerable person," with mental health problems and who regularly walked alone in Ballymena.
She was last seen at around 3pm on Monday.
SDLP councillor Declan O`Loan described the murder as a tragedy.
He said: "Whatever the exact circumstances, and those remain to be revealed, it is a tragic situation."
Anyone with any information should contact detectives in Ballymena on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF/KMcA)
A murder inquiry was officially launched yesterday, following the results of a post mortem examination.
The victim has since been named as 24-year-old Shirley Finlay from Crebilly Road in the town, who was found wrapped in a duvet in a car park in the Mount Street area at around 3.30pm.
Police have confirmed that they are investigating the possibility of a sexual motive for her murder.
Detectives in Ballymena are trying to trace the movements of Ms Finlay in the hours leading up to her death, and have appealed to the public to come forward with any information which may be relevant to the investigation.
Ms Finlay has been described as being around 5ft in height, of slim to medium build, and was wearing a grey coloured fleece.
She is said to have been “a very vulnerable person," with mental health problems and who regularly walked alone in Ballymena.
She was last seen at around 3pm on Monday.
SDLP councillor Declan O`Loan described the murder as a tragedy.
He said: "Whatever the exact circumstances, and those remain to be revealed, it is a tragic situation."
Anyone with any information should contact detectives in Ballymena on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
Police Appeal Following Burglary In Ahoghill
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a burglary in Ahoghill on Tuesday, 12th November. Police received a report that the back door of a house on the Ballymena Road was forced open shortly before 6pm.
22 September 2006
House searched in Ballymena murder probe
Police investigating the murder of a County Antrim woman on Tuesday afternoon have today carried out searches of a house close to where her body was found.
House searched in Ballymena murder probe
Police investigating the murder of a County Antrim woman on Tuesday afternoon have today carried out searches of a house close to where her body was found.
08 October 2001
Prison officer’s daughter in fire attack
A prison officer’s daughter has been treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and shock after her County Armagh home was attacked. It is understood a group of men forced their way into the 17-year-old’s home in Portadown on Sunday October 7 and set it alight. The girl's parents were out of the house at the time. Her father is a prison officer.
Prison officer’s daughter in fire attack
A prison officer’s daughter has been treated in hospital for smoke inhalation and shock after her County Armagh home was attacked. It is understood a group of men forced their way into the 17-year-old’s home in Portadown on Sunday October 7 and set it alight. The girl's parents were out of the house at the time. Her father is a prison officer.
10 November 2006
Polish man charged with Ballymena murder
A Polish man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of 24-year-old Shirley Finlay in County Antrim in September. Henryk Gorski, 49, whose address was given as Hill Street in Ballymena, has denied the charges.
Polish man charged with Ballymena murder
A Polish man has been remanded in custody charged with the murder of 24-year-old Shirley Finlay in County Antrim in September. Henryk Gorski, 49, whose address was given as Hill Street in Ballymena, has denied the charges.
07 November 2006
Man questioned over Ballymena murder
A 49-year-old man is being questioned by police in County Antrim in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Shirley Finlay in September.
Man questioned over Ballymena murder
A 49-year-old man is being questioned by police in County Antrim in connection with the murder of 24-year-old Shirley Finlay in September.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
