Hundreds of tributes have been pouring in for a young mother-of-two – brutally and senselessly – murdered in Banbridge on Saturday evening.
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of killing 40-year-old Karen Cummings.
She is the 28th woman murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020.
Police were called to a property in the Laurel Heights area of the town at 6.30pm on Saturday.
It is here Ms Cummings was found unconscious with a serious head injury. The NI Ambulance Service provided medical treatment but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene.
A second man, aged in his 30s, was arrested when he presented himself at a police cordon after emerging from a nearby farmyard. He too was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Both men remained in custody on Sunday evening.
Officers continue to scour the nearby fields and cemetery for evidence following the arrest of the second man this afternoon.
Meanwhile, a death notice for Ms Cummings describes her as the devoted mummy of Curtis and Zara, and cherished daughter of Margarita and stepdaughter of Andrew and loving granddaughter of Mary and the late Jim McQuaid.
Her mother’s residence will remain private until her funeral arrangements are announced.
Banbridge Alliance councillor, Joy Ferguson, said: “Violence against women must stop.
“We must renew our efforts to changing society, particularly through the Executive Office’s violence against women campaign. Sending my heartfelt condolences to the family of Karen Cummings, a young life gone too soon. Karen is the seventh woman to be killed in Northern Ireland just this year.
“This is a devastating statistic, and violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated.
“It’s difficult to understate the level of shock people here are feeling right now after such a horrific incident.
Upper Bann MLA Eóin Tennyson added: “This is an absolutely shocking incident, and today is a dark day for the local community. My thoughts and condolences are with Karen’s loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
“We must all recommit ourselves to the Executive’s recently launched framework to end Violence Against Women and Girls and do everything we can to put a stop to all forms of violence, harm and abuse in our society.”
Ms Cummings’s death has sent shockwaves through the town – and much further afield.
Not only has how she died reverberated, but the senseless loss of someone much loved by so many people.
“Karen, how lucky we were to have nursed along side you,” one person wrote, adding: “A fabulous nurse whose kindness, knowledge and compassion comforted many families. Our Daisy team is broken; we will remember you always, your kind words, thoughts and actions for your patients and work family will never be forgotten. We will miss you our dear friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with your children whom you adored and spoke off with pride everyday, and with your extended family.”
Another wrote: “Rest in peace, Karen – our beautiful, friend and colleague. There are just no words for the loss we are all feeling totally heartbroken. It’s been a privilege to have had the opportunity to work and learn from one to best.”
One woman posted: “Karen was one of the gentlest people you’d ever meet. Shocked and angered this has happened.”
Another colleague posted: “Our beautiful, funny, caring and compassionate girl. A pleasure to work with and nurse alongside. Work will never be the same. Gone too soon. We are all heartbroken. Thinking of your children and all your family.”
One person echoed the sentiment of many by simply writing: “Such a cruel world we live in.”
District Commander for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Superintendent Brendan Green said: “Our thoughts are with Ms Cummings’ family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy at this time.
“Please be reassured that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.
“Local people will see our officers in and around the area. Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.
“I am appealing to anyone who believes they may have information which could assist us with our investigation to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1293 14/12/24.”
Photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash cam footage, can be shared with police through the Major Incident Public Portal at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI24T22-P01)
A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
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