Murder inquiry after body found

Body was discovered in the early hours of Thursday

A man has been arrested after a woman's body was found at a house in County Londonderry.

It was discovered at about 0340 GMT on Thursday at Mill Road in Portstewart.

The dead woman was Jill Doherty.

I think that people are stunned at the tragic waste of a young woman's life in these circumstances

Chief Superintendent Richard Russell

The police said the 43-year-old mother-of-two's death was being treated as suspicious and they have launched a murder inquiry.

An ambulance was called to the house, however it is believed the woman may have died at the scene.

It is understood she may have been stabbed.

Information

The area is cordoned off and the police are expected to carry out a forensic examination of the scene later on Thursday.

So far the police have given no further details about the victim.

They have appealed to anyone with information to contact them.

Chief Superintendent Richard Russell said the police were following a definite line of inquiry.

Elaine Beggs: "We are devastated"

"I think that people are stunned at the tragic waste of a young woman's life in these circumstances," he said.

"We are pursuing a definite line of inquiry. Obviously if there are members of the public who feel they have any information relevant if they contact detectives at Coleraine police station."

Neighbour Elaine Beggs said the dead woman had been a good friend to her.

"We were always there for each other during the good times and the bad," she said.

"She was bubbly and friendly and we are just completely devastated that this has happened - we can't believe it."