Murder victim Karen Cummings was a 'devoted' mother-of-two and 'cherished daughter'

Karen Cummings, a mother-of-two and paediatric nurse at Daisy Hill Hospital, tragically lost her life in Banbridge. The 40 year-old was found with a "serious head injury" on Saturday and was later pronounced dead.

Karen, described as a "devoted mummy" and "cherished daughter" in a family notice, has been remembered fondly by the community. Local MLA Eoin Tennyson referred to her death as "an absolutely shocking incident".

Online tributes have poured in for Karen, describing her as "a lovely person", a "beautiful, kind lady and nurse". Mr Tennyson noted that she is the seventh woman to be killed in Northern Ireland this year.

READ MORE - Woman hospitalised after head almost squashed by bus during alleged assault

READ MORE - Woman, 70s, rushed to hospital after horror smash with stolen SUV as Gardai begin hit-and-run manhunt

A postmortem is due to take place, according to police who also confirmed that two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation. One colleague shared a heartfelt tribute on social media: "Karen, you were an absolute lady and I'm glad I had the time to work alongside someone so special. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. You will be missed dearly."

Another added: "Rest in peace Karen, such a pleasure to have known you and worked along side you. Heartbroken, you will be so sorely missed," reports Belfast Live.

In a family notice, she was remembered as the "devoted mummy of Curtis and Zara, cherished daughter of Margarita and stepdaughter of Andrew and loving granddaughter of Mary and the late Jim McQuaid".

The family's tribute read: "She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her heartbroken children, mother, stepfather, grandmother, her uncles Eugene and his wife Karen, Philip and his wife Alison and Martin and his partner Stephanie, her auntie Wendy, her cousins, her friends, her Paediatric nursing colleagues at Daisy Hill Hospital and the entire family circle."

Alliance MLA Eoin Tennyson remarked on the tragedy: "This is an absolutely shocking incident, and today is a dark day for the local community. My thoughts and condolences are with Karen's loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss."

He continued, "Karen is the seventh woman now to be killed in Northern Ireland just this year. This is a devastating statistic, and violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated."

Tennyson added, advocating for action: "We must all recommit ourselves to the Executive's recently launched framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls and do everything we can to put a stop to all forms of violence, harm and abuse in our society."

Local Councillor Joy Ferguson was also profoundly moved by the tragedy, saying: "It's difficult to understate the level of shock people here are feeling right now after such a horrific incident. I want to extend my thoughts and sympathies to Karen's family and loved ones, who will be facing the unimaginable today. I have no doubt the community will rally around them at such a difficult time."

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.

"I'd also encourage anyone who may have any potentially relevant information that may help police in their investigations to get in touch with them, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers."

He added: "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. I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1293 14/12/24."

A police spokesperson said: "Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at Public Portal. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.