Police launch murder investigation after 40-year-old mother-of-two nurse ‘brutal and senseless’ death at home – as officers arrest two men in connection with it

Police have launched a murder investigation following the “brutal and senseless” death of a nurse and mother of two in Northern Ireland.

The victim, who suffered a head injury, is Karen Cummings, 40 years old.

An obituary revealed that she was a mother of two and had worked as a nurse.

Two men were arrested on Saturday following his death at a house in Banbridge, County Down.

Police found her unconscious outside a home in the Laurel Heights neighborhood. She died at the scene a short time later.

Members of the local community have spoken of their shock and raised concerns about the number of women killed in Northern Ireland in 2024.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report at around 6.30pm on Saturday evening, December 14, of an unconscious woman with serious head injuries inside a house in the Laurel Heights area of ​​the city. .

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, who provided medical treatment at the scene.

“Sadly the woman, whose name is Karen Cummings, 40, was pronounced dead a short time later.”

“An autopsy will take place in due course.”

The spokesperson said the investigation was in its early stages and police were working “to establish all the circumstances which led to this brutal and senseless murder”.

They added: “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 the investigation continues.

“In addition, a second man aged in his 30s was also arrested in the area today on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.”

An obituary from Heaney Keenan Funeral Directors read: “Karen’s heartbroken family asks that you respect their privacy as they navigate the devastating and tragic loss of Karen.”

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon ​​District Commander, 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 all our sympathy at this time.

“Cordons remain in place today, Sunday December 15, and local residents will continue to see a visible and increased police presence.

“Please be reassured, our officers will do everything in their power to fully investigate what happened, and we urge members of the public not to speculate.”

“Local people will see our officers in and around the area.

“If anyone has any concerns or would like to seek help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.

Local officials have spoken of their shock at Ms Cummings’ murder.

Alliance Party deputy leader and Upper Bann MP Eoin Tennyson said it was an “absolutely shocking incident”.

He added: “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.

“Karen is the seventh woman to be killed in Northern Ireland this year alone. This is a devastating statistic, and violence against women and girls is a disgusting scourge on our society that must be eradicated.

Mr Tennyson added: “We must all reaffirm our commitment to the Executive’s recently launched framework to end violence against women and girls and do all we can to end all forms of violence, harm and abuse in our society. »

Sinn Fein councilor Kevin Savage said: “My heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss.

“The local community is shocked and saddened by the death of this woman and I am appealing to anyone with information to pass it on to the PSNI.”

Police in Northern Ireland have made tackling violence against women and girls a priority 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.