Community in shock at death of Lurgan girl Natalie McNally (32) who is from highly respected local family

This afternoon the PSNI said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Lurgan last night, Monday 19 December.

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Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: “Along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, officers attended a property in the Silverwood Green area of Lurgan last night, responding to a report received just after 10pm.

“Sadly, the woman, whom we can now name as 32 year old Natalie McNally, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Our investigation is at an early stage and I am keen to establish Natalie’s movements between 4pm on Sunday 18th and 10pm last night. I would appeal to anyone with information they feel is relevant to contact us on 101, quoting reference 2127 of 19/12/22.”

“A man, aged in his 30s, who was arrested last night, is continuing to help police with enquiries.”

Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

SDLP Cllr Declan McAlinden said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the young woman who passed away. She came from a well known and highly respected family in the wider Lurgan and Craigavon area and I can’t begin to imagine what they are going through at this difficult time.

"I know many of the woman’s family members and my heart goes out to them, I have no doubt the local community will rally around them as they come to terms with what's happened.

"The loss of a young life in any circumstances is devastating, but it is particularly hard at this time of year when families will be coming together to celebrate the festive season. This is the second tragedy to hit our community in the past few days with the death of Odhran O’Neill in Thailand and my thoughts are also with his loved ones.

"I would urge everyone to give police the time and space needed to carry out their investigation into the death of this woman which is still in its early stages. Anyone who knows anything about what took place should come forward to police as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile local MP Carla Lockhart has expressed her sympathies to the loved ones of the 32 year old woman.

She said: “This news has shocked the entire community. It is a tragic loss of life and my thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the victim of this alleged murder.

The PSNI will continue to carry out their investigations into what exactly has happened here. Should anyone have any information that they feel may be relevant to their enquiries, please do bring this forward. In such circumstances it is important that truth and justice prevail.”

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd said: “There is shock in the community at the death of a woman in the Silverwood Green area.

“My thoughts are with this woman’s friends and families at this time.

“A police investigation is now underway and I would urge anyone with information to bring it forward.”

Alliance MLA for Upper Bann, Eóin Tennyson, has expressed his sincere condolences to the family and friends of Natalie McNally. “My thoughts and sympathies are with the loved ones of Natalie. A loss of life around this time of year is always particularly poignant.

" This tragedy really has sent a shockwave thoughout the area, but we must be mindful that the police investigation is still in its infancy.

"I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how insignificant they feel it may be, to bring it forward to the PSNI.”