“Words begin to fail everyone at such a senseless loss of life”
The young woman who died in Co Fermanagh on Saturday has been named locally as Ellie Flanagan. Ms Flanagan, who was aged in her 20s, was found at an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen on Saturday evening, March 7.
A 45-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and other related offences. The man is understood to be known to the victim. Police have made an appeal for information about the incident, after a car crash led them to the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Major Investigation Team, said the investigation started following the collision near Tempo in Co Fermanagh.
READ MORE: ‘Deep shock’ as murder probe launched after discovery of woman’s body in Co FermanaghREAD MORE: Murder investigation launched following woman’s death in Enniskillen
“Police received a report that a man driving a grey Nissan Juke was involved in a collision on the Carn Road, near Tempo, at around 9.15pm on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers located the car but the driver had left the scene,” he said.
“Enquiries determined that the car was registered to an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen. When officers arrived at the house they discovered the body of a woman, aged in her 20s.
“A short time later, a man aged 45, was arrested near the scene on the Carn Road on suspicion of murder and other related offences. He remains in police custody at this time as enquiries continue.”
Mr Robinson continued: “Our detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, and I am appealing to anyone with information that could assist with our investigation to come forward.
“We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who was travelling on the Cornagrade Road into Corban Avenue between 6.30pm and 10.45pm on Saturday evening and noticed anything out of the ordinary, or suspicious, to make contact with us.”
Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander Superintendent Pete Cunningham said they want to reassure the community that detectives are working at pace on the investigation.
“First and foremost my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened,” he said.
“I want to reassure the local community that detectives are working at pace, and we would also urge members of the public not to speculate.
“As a victim-focused organisation, violence against women and girls is a priority for policing, and I understand that incidents like this will cause significant concern. We are doing everything we can to ensure women and girls feel safe in our communities.
“I would encourage anyone who may have information about what happened on Saturday evening, regardless of how small it may seem, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1564 07/03/26.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area today, and over the coming days, our officers are here to help with any concerns you may have. Please reach out and speak with them if needed.”
Deborah Erskine, DUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said the death of Ms Flanagan is “heartbreaking.” She added: “Words begin to fail everyone at such a senseless loss of life.
“At times like this our community stands together in grief. The community undoubtedly feels an immense sense of shock and upset, however I cannot begin to imagine the pain that Ellie’s family and friends are now feeling. We remember them in our prayers and wrap our arms around them at this extremely difficult time.
“This would have been an incredibly shocking and devastating scene to have responded to. I want to place on record thanks to the PSNI and emergency services who attended the scene. Their quick action over the weekend is to be commended. My thoughts in particular are with those officers who were first responders.
“The news of this incident broke on International Women’s Day. It serves as a reminder that we must double down on our efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls. We must all work together to stop it.
“I plead with the public to work with the PSNI in their investigations over the course of the time ahead. Please do not speculate or spread misinformation. We will all remember Ellie, her family and friends in the days that lie ahead.”
Sinn Fein Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen said: “The whole community is in deep shock at the news of a woman’s suspected murder in Enniskillen. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“On a day when we are marking International Women’s Day, it is even more heartbreaking to be confronted with such an unthinkable act of violence.”
Alliance Enniskillen Councillor Eddie Roofe expressed his shock and condolences after the sad news.
“My thoughts are with this poor woman and her loved ones,” said Councillor Roofe.
“This incident has been the talk of the local area today. Everyone is in shock, particularly given the circumstances surrounding it. But I know the local community will come together to support each other in this distressing time.
“There is a sad irony to this, given today is International Women’s Day. Violence against women and girls is a sickening scourge on our society that must be eradicated.
“I urge anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”
UUP councillor Roy Crawford added: “My heartfelt condolences go to her family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“This news has shocked and saddened the entire community. Enniskillen is a close knit town, and many people will be keeping the family in their thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
“I would also like to thank the officers of the Police Service of Northern Ireland for the work they are carrying out in relation to this tragedy. Their professionalism and dedication during such difficult circumstances are greatly appreciated.
“My thoughts remain with the family as they come to terms with this heartbreaking loss.”
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