Man, 20s, arrested in Dublin on suspicion of murder of young mum, 22, in Belfast home as sister pays devastating tribute

A MAN, aged in his 20s, has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 22-year-old woman in Belfast.

Tragic Mary Ward was found dead at her home on Melrose Street in the south of the city last Tuesday but police believe she had not been seen alive since September 25.

Gardai confirmed this afternoon that detectives attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, assisted by DMR resources arrested a male on suspicion of the murder of Mary.

And Gardai have commenced a murder investigation in accordance with provisions under the Criminal Law Jurisdiction Act 1976.

The arrested man is detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin.

A statement from Gardai added: "An Garda Siochana continues to work closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this investigation.

"A Garda spokesperson is not available at this time."

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that Mary had been a "victim of a violent crime" just weeks before she was killed.

It was confirmed late on Monday night by police that they were investigating a murder.

Mary, who had an eight-month-old son, had been laid to rest earlier that day.

The Police Ombudman's Office has confirmed that it is investigating the police response to Mary's report of violence in the weeks leading up to her death.

A Police Ombudsman Spokesperson said: "We offer our deepest condolences to Mary Ward’s family.

"Following Ms Ward’s murder, we received a referral from PSNI on Sunday evening (6 October 2024). We have completed our initial review and have now commenced an independent investigation.

"In the weeks prior to her murder, Ms Ward reported to police that she had been the victim of a violent crime.