Whitehead murder: Police release name of woman stabbed to death

Alyson Nelson, 64, was pronounced dead at the scene

Police have released the name of a woman who was killed in Whitehead, County Antrim.

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of Alyson Nelson, who was 64 and had lived in the town for many years.

She was pronounced dead at the scene. A man in his 60s has been arrested.

Police were called to a house in Victoria Avenue at about 18:10 BST on Saturday after receiving reports of a stabbing.

They said the man had been arrested on suspicion of murder and was in police custody.

The incident happened at Victoria Avenue in the town centre on Saturday evening

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

The BBC was told Ms Nelson was often seen walking her dogs and chatting with neighbours.

Maeve Taylor said Alyson Nelson was "a lovely lady"

People in the area have said they are shocked and saddened by her death.

Maeve Taylor, from Whitehead, said she was "devastated" at what had happened.

"I feel so sorry for her family, she was a lovely neighbour, a lovely lady," she told BBC News NI.

"She walked her dogs, everybody knew her around the town. She would have been out and about and always very friendly, very chatty and she will be badly missed.

"It is just shocking, how she has passed away."

Victoria Avenue is located near the railway station in Whitehead

Rev Mark Taylor, a Church of Ireland rector in Whitehead, said "there was a great deal of shock" at what had happened and that the community's thoughts and prayers were with Ms Nelson's family.

"This is a quiet, seaside town," he added.

"There are families that are torn apart and it is very hurtful for them, very difficult for them to deal with.

"They are known to people in the community, who care for them deeply."