A 32-year-old pregnant woman was murdered in Northern Ireland in what is being described as a “double tragedy”.
Natalie McNally was 15 weeks pregnant when she was stabbed to death at her home in Lurgan, County Armagh. She is believed to have been killed on Sunday night, December 18, but her body was not discovered until around 10pm on Monday.
Police confirmed on Wednesday that they have launched a murder investigation following her death along with the death of her unborn baby.
READ MORE: Friend of pregnant Irish woman 'stabbed to death' in London raising funds to bring her body home
Following a post-mortem, police said Natalie suffered a violent death and was stabbed multiple times as well as showing signs of defensive injuries.
A man in his 30s was arrested on Monday night on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.
Speaking at a press conference today Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said: "She was murdered at her home in the Silverwood Green area of the town, and evidence now suggests that she was murdered on the night of Sunday December 18.
"Officers were called to the property along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. Sadly Natalie was pronounced dead at the scene.
"It is distressing to add that Natalie was in fact 15-weeks pregnant.
"This fatal attack, which happened in her own home, has therefore resulted in a double tragedy, the death of a mother to be, along with her unborn baby."
Detective Caldwell said that her death has caused "unimaginable heartache and grief" just before Christmas in what is usually a happy time for families.
He continued: "Natalie was much loved by her devoted parents and family – and my thoughts are with them at this time. Her death has left family and friends devastated, and the local community in shock.
"What should have been a happy time, in the run-up to Christmas, has changed to unimaginable heartache and grief.
"I am asking anyone with information to come forward.
"In particular, I am appealing to motorists who were travelling on the Kiln Road in Lurgan on the night of Sunday, December 18 to get in touch. We’re especially keen to hear from anyone travelling in that area between 8.45pm and 9.45pm, and who may have captured dashcam footage. Please contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 2127 of 19/12/2022."
Tributes have been pouring in for the young mother-to-be, with family and friends taking to social media to express their shock and sadness following her sudden death.
One friend, Matthew Beaumont, wrote: "Natalie was one of the best people I had the honour of knowing in this country. She was one of the first friends I made here and was so helpful and supportive of me moving into politics and helping people.
"I’m absolutely devastated to see this. The world has lost a good egg. Rest in peace Nat x."
SDLP Councillor for Lurgan DEA Ciaran Toman also paid tribute to Natalie, saying: "My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Natalie McNally who was found dead last night and to the wider community in Silverwood who will be shocked that this has happened within their community.
"Natalie was in my form class in school and I remember her to be the most pleasant young woman who clearly had a bright future ahead of her. This is obviously a very sad situation for the family of the deceased and my thoughts are with them at this time."
Natalie had worked for Translink as part of the marketing team and in a statement, the company said: “We have been shocked and saddened today by the news of the loss of our colleague and friend Natalie.
“She was a valued member of the Translink marketing team and we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends at this very sad time.”
Natalie was also as an ally and activist to the LGBT community in the Co Armagh area and very close to her devastated parents Noel and Bernadette, who are struggling to come to terms with their loss.
READ NEXT:
Woman's Westlife concert experience was 'constant reminder' of disability
Taoiseach Varadkar under fire for 'out of touch' video of first day in office
Woman left blind and unable to speak after fire at Dublin hostel
The Budget 2023 measures that will put more money in your pocket from January
Phil Hogan says Taoiseach and Tánaiste had 'campaign' to oust him after Golfgate
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
