Man, 20s, arrested in Dublin on suspicion of Mary Ward murder

The man is detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin

A man, 20s, has been arrested in Dublin on suspicion of the murder of 22 year-old Mary Ward in Belfast.

The man was arrested on Wednesday afternoon by detectives attached to the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation, assisted by DMR resources.

The man is detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in Dublin.

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An Garda Síochána has commenced a murder investigation in accordance with provisions under the Criminal Law (Jurisdiction) Act 1976.

"An Garda Síochána continues to work closely with the Police Service of Northern Ireland on this investigation," said a Gardai spokesperson.

The 22-year-old was found dead by police at her home on Melrose Street in Belfast on October 1 and it is believed she was last seen alive on September 25.

The PSNI had been in contact with Ms Ward in the weeks before her death. On September 4 she contacted the PSNI to report she was the victim of violence - the last contact the PSNI had with Ms Ward was on September 25.

On Tuesday, the PSNI confirmed that because of the contact with Ms Ward before her death, the case had been referred to the Office of the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.

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