Police in Belfast have launched a murder investigation following the tragic death of 22-year-old Mary Ward.

The investigation comes after extensive inquiries by the Serious Crime Branch, nearly a week after she was last seen alive on Wednesday, September 25th.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has also referred the case to the Police Ombudsman, citing prior interactions between officers and the victim. 

While there is no indication of police misconduct, a PSNI spokesperson acknowledged concerns about the organisation's response. 

"We are nonetheless concerned about our organisational response," the spokesperson said, emphasising that police criminality is not suspected at this time.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Foreman, who is leading the investigation, expressed his condolences to Mary’s family and urged anyone with information to come forward. 

"Our thoughts are with Mary’s loved ones, who are devastated by this tragic loss. 

“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen or been in contact with her around Wednesday, September 25th, as we work to determine the exact circumstances surrounding her death."

The broader issue of violence against women has come into sharper focus in Northern Ireland, with Mary Ward's death marking the fourth woman to be murdered in the region in just six weeks. 

Detective Chief Superintendent Lindsay Fisher, head of the PSNI's Public Protection Branch, called the situation "absolutely appalling" and expressed deep concern about the growing pattern of violence.

"Four families have been shattered forever by senseless violence," Fisher said, adding that the PSNI has recently revised its gender-based violence action plan to reflect the seriousness of the issue. 

"We’ve now aligned our response to gender-based violence with how we handle terrorism and organised crime. 

“The level of violence and loss in Northern Ireland demands nothing less."

The PSNI is urging anyone with information related to Mary Ward’s case to come forward. 

They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have relevant photos, CCTV footage, or phone recordings from the area around the time of her disappearance. 

Information can be submitted anonymously through Crimestoppers or via the PSNI's Public Portal.