Derry murder victim was Montserrat Martorell Elias
2 min read
Police investigating the murder of a woman in Londonderry have identified the victim as 65-year-old Montserrat Martorell Elias, from Spain.
The body of Ms Elias, who the police had previously been unable to identify, was discovered in a flat following a fire in Harvey Street at about 04:15 BST on Saturday.
Police said Ms Elias had sustained multiple injuries from an unspecified type of weapon during a “horrific attack” before a ground floor flat was set on fire.
Her body was found when firefighters attended the scene and detectives want to speak to a white man, aged in his 30s, who was seen in the area.
There was an increased police presence in Derry at the weekend following the incident.
In a statement on Monday, the police said they were aware of “online speculation”, which they said was “extremely unhelpful and deeply distressing to Ms Elias’ family”.
Family and friends in Spain
Det Ch Insp Anthony Kelly said detectives were working at full pace to establish exactly what happened to her
The senior officer said they were hoping to speak with a white man, aged in his 30s, who was seen in the area between 01:00 and 02:00, wearing a grey jacket with the hood up, blue jeans, trainers and a light coloured shirt.
“My thoughts at this time are first and foremost with Ms Elias’ family and friends in Spain, who are left trying to come to terms with their loss,” Det Ch Insp Kelly said.
The police said their investigation was at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing.
Investigating officers appealed again for anyone with information about the murder and arson to get in touch with them.
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