Injured man arrested over death

Detectives are treating the house as a crime scene

A 32-year-old man is being kept under armed guard in hospital after being arrested in connection with the murder of Nichola Dixon .

The 27-year-old woman was found in the bedroom of a house at Hillhead Road, Ballycarry, near Larne at about 1430 GMT on Tuesday.

She had been stabbed to death.

The man, who is seriously ill, was found injured in the house.

It is understood he is the woman's partner.

Because it is such a close community it will be even more painful for the people involved

Councillor John Matthews

Detectives are treating the house as a crime scene and are appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area.

It is understood the woman was found by her mother.

The injured man was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

'Quiet town'

Superintendent Tom Haylett said the investigation was in the very early stages.

"We are trying to piece together what happened," he said.

"It is a very tragic incident for this village and for the local community."

Alliance Party councillor John Matthews said it was a very quiet town.

"Because it is such a close community it will be even more painful for the people involved - the lady was well known in the district, she was a local girl."