US backpacker killed in hostel

The woman's body was found outside a hostel

Detectives have launched a murder inquiry into the death of a woman at a backpackers' hostel in south Belfast.

The 29-year-old, from the United States, died after sustaining a head injury in Fitzwilliam Street at about 1900 BST on Sunday.

It is understood she was staying at a hostel in the street and it has been suggested that she fell from a window.

One woman has been arrested. It is understood the victim, from New Mexico, arrived in Northern Ireland last month.

She had also visited Scotland on her travels since then, before returning to Belfast.

Other people staying at the hostel were moved to alternative accommodation while the police continued their inquiries.

A house in Camden Street, which runs parallel to Fitzwilliam Street, was also cordoned off.

A post mortem examination was being carried out on Monday.

Police have not yet released the woman's name, although her parents have been informed.