Police Ombudsman to investigate PSNI’s prior contact with murdered woman
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has confirmed that it has commenced an investigation following the murder of Mary Ward who, in the weeks prior to her death had reported to police that she had been the victim of a violent crime.
A 26-year-old man was arrested in Dublin on Wednesday afternoon (October 9) by officers from An Garda Síochána on suspicion of the murder of the 22-year-old.
Ms Ward was last seen alive on September 25 and was found dead by Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers at her home on Melrose Street, Belfast on Tuesday October 1.
The PSNI said following a review of its previous engagement with Ms Ward, the case was referred to the Office of the Police Ombudsman.
“Whilst at this time there is no suggestion of individual criminality or misconduct, we are nonetheless concerned about our organisational response,” it said.
The Police Ombudsman 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 (October 6). 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. Our investigation will focus on the police response to this report.”
Ms Ward is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in just six weeks
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “First of all I’d like to express my deepest sympathies to Mary Ward’s family and friends who are experiencing unbearable suffering knowing that their loved one was taken from them in such a cruel way.
“Our specialist trained family liaison officers are continuing to work with the family, providing support at this very difficult time.
He added: “Whilst our investigation is progressing at pace, we are still working to establish the exact circumstances of Mary’s death.
“I am appalled that there has been another murder of a woman in Northern Ireland.
“Mary is the fourth woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland in just six weeks. This is simply unacceptable and too many women are losing their lives at the hands of men.
“As a police service we recently revised our Tackling Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG) Action Plan and adopted the new national framework to align our response to this violence with that of terrorism and serious and organised crime. The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less.
“We are absolutely determined that we will be relentless in our pursuit of the perpetrators and cannot allow another woman to die as a result of violence at the hands of men.”
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said: “This afternoon, Wednesday October 9, detectives attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, assisted by DMR resources, have arrested a male in his 20s on suspicion of the murder of Mary Ward.
“The male is detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin.
“An Garda Síochána has commenced a murder investigation in accordance with provisions under the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976.
“An Garda Síochána continues to work closely with the PSNI on this investigation.”