BBCThe body of a woman has been found in a flat in Londonderry, following a fire.
Police are treating the death as suspicious.
The emergency services were called to a fire in a flat in Harvey Street in the city centre on Saturday morning, where the discovery was made.
The woman was in a ground floor flat and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stunned locals
At the scene: Kevin Sharkey, BBC News NI
There is a big police investigation underway here.
Locals are stunned to learn of this tragedy in a residential part of the city.
An extensive area around the scene is cordoned off and that is restricting access to the popular Waterloo street during this busy bank holiday weekend.
‘Thoughts and prayers’
SDLP councillor John Boyle visited Harvey Street and said it was a “very, very sad scene”.
“I think I suppose the only thing I can reflect on is the terrible shock and distress that the local community have experienced when they woke up to this news this morning of the death of this woman and the circumstances she has died in,” he said.
“Evidently now, we’re in a situation where we have to allow the police service to carry out their investigations.”
‘Harrowing’
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said it was “harrowing and heartbreaking” news.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said part of nearby Waterloo Street and Chamberlain Street are closed.
Traffic disruption is expected and the area should be avoided.
Investigating officers are asking anyone with information to get in touch with them.
They are particularly keen to view any dash-cam or doorbell camera footage covering the area between 2:00 BST and 05:00.
Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said the community was in “total shock”.
“My immediate thoughts and prayers are with this woman’s family and friends,” she said.
Source Agencies
