Banbridge: Murder investigation after woman dies in Laurel Heights

PSNI Ms Cummings is smiling at the camera and is wearing a brown jumpsuit. She had long brown hair — Karen Cummings, 40, was found unconscious with a serious head injury

Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Banbridge, County Down.

Emergency services were called to an incident in Laurel Heights shortly after 18:00 GMT on Saturday.

Karen Cummings, 40, was found unconscious with a serious head injury, police say.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service provided medical treatment but Ms Cummings was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene on Saturday and remains in police custody.

A second man, aged in his 30s, was arrested in the local area on Sunday, also on suspicion of murder, and is in custody.

Forensic officers are examining the scene on Sunday

Forensic officers wearing white suits and face masks enter a house — Forensic officers are examining the scene on Sunday

Local MLA Diane Dodds said the incident was extremely sad and shocking.

“I have been speaking to our local inspector this morning and they want to reassure the public that they don’t expect any risk to the public in general but there will be an increased police presence to give reassurance to locals in the town,” she said.