After the death of a woman, the police begin a murder investigation

Karen Cummings, 40, was found unconscious with a serious head injury [PSNI]

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 just after 6pm GMT on Saturday.

According to police, 40-year-old Karen Cummings was found unconscious with a serious head injury.

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

A yellow and blue police car stands behind blue and white police tape. It is mounted on the black sidewalk in front of a cluster of red brick housesA yellow and blue police car stands behind blue and white police tape. It is mounted on the black sidewalk in front of a cluster of red brick houses

Police cordoned off the area in Laurel Heights Saturday evening [Pacemaker]

Two men were arrested in connection with the investigation.

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

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

Forensic investigators in white suits and face masks enter a houseForensic investigators in white suits and face masks enter a house

Forensic investigators examined the crime scene on Sunday [BBC]

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

“I spoke to our local inspector this morning and he would like to reassure the public that he does not anticipate any danger to the public in general, but there will be an increased police presence to provide reassurance to locals in the town,” she said .

Diane looks into the camera, she has short brown hair and is wearing a patterned scarf.Diane looks into the camera, she has short brown hair and is wearing a patterned scarf.

Diane Dodds is the MLA for the region [BBC]

“A Christmas Tragedy”

Cllr Joy Ferguson looks into the camera lens. She has shoulder-length blonde hairCllr Joy Ferguson looks into the camera lens. She has shoulder-length blonde hair

Cllr Joy Ferguson said there was “deep, deep shock” in the community [BBC]

Cllr Joy Ferguson told BBC News NI: “This is a tragedy and at the heart of this tragedy is a family who have lost a loved one.”

“And the closer it gets to Christmas, the harder it gets.”

She urged anyone with information to contact police.

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