The woman, named locally as Amy Doherty, was found injured at a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city, but sadly died later in hospital
Scene at Summer Meadows in Derry where a murder investigation is underway following the death of a woman on Saturday(Image: PressEye)
A murder investigation is underway after the death of a woman, who has been named locally as Amy Doherty.
Police were called to the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city at around 10.20am on Saturday, March 21, after the woman was found injured.
She tragically died later in hospital. She has been named locally as mum-of-two Amy Doherty, who was in her late 20s. A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
On Saturday night, the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairi McHugh said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the death of Amy.
“On behalf of the people of Derry and surrounding areas, I would like to extend the heartfelt sympathy & condolences to her family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” he said.
“No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but please be assured that the community stands with you in grief, support, and solidarity.
“We all mourn together, and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.
“We call on everyone to come together in compassion, to support one another, and to honour Amy’s memory in the days ahead.”
DUP Councillors Julie Middleton, Niree McMorris and Chelsea Cooke issued a joint statement and said: “As women representing the City at Council, this is utterly devastating news for our city. The loss of a woman’s life in such circumstances is both shocking and deeply distressing for the entire community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with the victim’s family and loved ones as they face unimaginable grief. No family should ever have to endure such heartbreak.
“This is a stark reminder that violence, particularly against women, has no place in our society. Every woman and girl should feel safe in their own home and community.
“We must ensure that those responsible for such heinous acts are brought before the courts and held fully accountable.
“We would appeal to anyone who may have information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward to the PSNI and assist with their investigation.
“As a community, we must stand together to support the victim’s family and to send a clear message that such violence will never be tolerated.”
Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson added: “There is widespread shock and devastation across the city to learn that police have launched a murder inquiry after the woman’s death.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with this woman’s loved ones as they face the unimaginable loss which this horrific crime has brought upon them.
“A young woman’s life was taken in the latest act of violence against women and girls and I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI.
“The Executive’s Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls sets out how it aims to tackle this scourge in our society. But we must all do more to confront the causes and cultures behind this violence and to do everything possible to bring the harm and abuse of women to an end.”
Detective Inspector Michelle Griffin from the Police Service’s Major Investigation Team said: “Officers attended a property in the Summer Meadows Mews area of the city at around 10.20 am and located an injured woman at the scene.
“She was taken to hospital by our colleagues in the NIAS where she sadly died.
“A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones, who are left trying to come to terms with this shocking loss.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact our officers on 101 quoting reference 469 – 21/03/26.”
Information can also be provided, with total anonymity, to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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