A man has been charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down.
Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found found dead in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, on Saturday afternoon.
She was pregnant with her third child when she died following an incident at the residential property.
The 28-year-old man known to the victim has been charged with her murder and child destruction, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed today. He is due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday July 2.
In the days after her death, the local community has seen an outpouring of grief towards Ms Montgomery.
Revd Ian R Gamble and Revd Kathy Couchman of Donaghadee Parish Church, who had a ‘strong connection’ with the family, said they were ‘deeply saddened’, adding that they would miss her at their Mums & Tots group.
A GoFundMe has raised nearly £20,000 to help her daughters, calling the mother ‘a popular girl who would never pass you without a smile or a chat’.
Officers were called to the home at 2.15pm after receiving reports of an unconscious female with a serious injury.
Paradmedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sarah Montgomery, 27, was found found dead in Donaghadee, Northern Ireland, yesterday afternoon
The 28-year-old man has been charged with her murder and child destruction, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed today
Officers were called to the home at 2.15pm after receiving reports of an unconscious female with a serious injury. Paradmedics were unable to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Pictured: Forensics at the home
Last week, Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: ‘Police received a report at approximately 2.15pm on Saturday afternoon, 28th June of an unconscious woman with a serious injury inside a house in the Elmfield Walk area of the town.
‘Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service who provided medical treatment at the scene.
‘Sadly the woman, who has been named as 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery, a mother-of-two, and confirmed to have been pregnant at the time of her death, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
‘A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remains in police custody assisting with enquiries.
‘Enquiries are at an early stage into this deeply tragic case. Our thoughts are also with Sarah’s family during this incredibly difficult time – as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened. Sarah’s family are being supported by specially trained officers as the investigation continues.’
North Area Chief Inspector Yvonne McManus said local people will see an increased police presence due to the shocking incident.
She said: ‘We understand this news will cause shock and concern within the community. Local people will see our officers in and around the area – with cordons still in place today.
‘Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.
‘We recognise the profound impact that violence against women and girls has on individuals, families and wider society.
North Down MP Alex Easton commented: ‘I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of a woman in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee.
‘My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
‘I understand that the PSNI is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident, and I would encourage the public to allow them the space and time to carry out their enquiries.
‘Donaghadee is a close-knit and caring community, and I know local people will be shocked and saddened by this news. I would urge anyone with information that may assist the police investigation to come forward.
‘I will continue to liaise with the relevant authorities and offer any support I can.’
Councillor James Cochrane urged the public to allow police to continue with their enquiries into the incident.
He said: ‘I would like just to say that my thoughts are with the family upon hearing this shocking news’, according to the Sunday World.
‘I would urge the public, if they have information, to contact police, and to allow the PSNI to carry out their investigations.’
DUP alderman, Mark Brooks branded the death ‘absolutely shocking’ to hear.
‘My thoughts are with the family at this time. It is absolutely shocking news to hear,’ said the alderman.
This is a breaking story, more to follow.
