Police have launched a murder inquiry following the death of a woman in Banbridge, Co Down.
The victim has been named as 40-year-old Karen Cummings.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday evening, December 14, of an unconscious woman with a serious head injury inside a house in the Laurel Heights area of the town.
“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who provided medical treatment at the scene.”
Police said Ms Cummings was pronounced dead a short time later.
The spokesperson added: “A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
“Two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
“A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on Saturday evening, December 14, on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
“Meanwhile, a second man aged in his 30s, was arrested in the local area today also on suspicion of murder, and is in custody at present.”
District commander for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Superintendent Brendan Green said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Cummings' family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy at this time.
“Cordons remain in place today, Sunday December 15, and local residents will continue to see an increased visible police presence.
“Please be reassured that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.
“Local people will see our officers in and around the area.
“Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.”
Local representatives have told of their shock at the murder of Ms Cummings.
Sinn Féin councillor Kevin Savage said: “My heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life.
“The local community is shocked and saddened by the death of this woman and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Police in Northern Ireland have made tackling violence against women and girls a priority for the force following a series of murders in the region in recent years.
In October, police said 24 women had been violently killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.
