Northern Ireland

Man charged with murder of woman in east Belfast

The victim has been named by police as 43-year-old Rachel Simpson.

Police and forensics at the scene so an incident on the Castlereagh Road. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
Police and forensics at the scene. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A 21-year-old man has been charged after a woman’s body was discovered in the garage of a house in east Belfast.

The victim has been named by police as 43-year-old Rachel Simpson.

The man had been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery at the property at Castlereagh Road on Friday.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating the murder of 43-year-old Rachel Simpson in east Belfast on Friday night, 13th September, have charged a man to court.

“The man, aged 21, has been charged with murder and is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Monday, 16th September.”

Officers had made the discovery on Friday after responding to a concern for safety at the property.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team
Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police remained at the semi-detached property on Saturday evening. A PSNI car was parked at the end of the driveway which was sealed off with tape.

An officer in white forensic overalls was at the side of the property.

SDLP councillor Seamas de Faoite said it was “horrific news”.

In a social media post he said: “My thoughts are with Rachel’s family and friends.

“This is a very settled area of East Belfast – a busy part of the Castlereagh Road.”