Natalie McNally: Man arrested over murder of woman in Lurgan
- Published
Natalie McNally was 32 and was expecting a child when she was killed
A man has been arrested by detectives investigating the murder of Natalie McNally in Lurgan.
The 32-year-old is being questioned on suspicion of murder.
Ms McNally, who was 32, was 15 weeks pregnant and may have known her killer, police said earlier on Wednesday.
Det Ch Insp John Caldwell said she had been stabbed a number of times and some of her wounds appeared to have been inflicted as she tried to defend herself.
Evidence suggested she died on Sunday night, Mr Caldwell added.
She was pronounced dead at her home in Silverwood Green in the County Armagh town on Monday night.
Mr Caldwell said there were no signs of a break-in at the property.
Det Ch Insp John Caldwell says Natalie McNally was stabbed in her home in Lurgan
"This fatal attack which happened in her own home has therefore resulted in a double tragedy," Mr Caldwell said.
"What should have been a happy time in the run-up to Christmas has changed to unimaginable grief and heartache."
A man in his 30s who was arrested on suspicion of murder was released on bail on Tuesday pending further inquiries.
BBC News NI understands this is not the same man who was arrested on Wednesday.
'Honour to know her'
Ms McNally worked as part of the marketing team at public transport provider Translink.
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."
In posts on social media, friends described her as "one of the best".
Forensic officers gathered evidence from Natalie McNally's home on Tuesday
Matthew Beaumont, who ran as an Alliance Party candidate at the most recent Northern Ireland Assembly election, also knew her.
"Natalie was one of the best people I had the honour to know in this country," he said in a post online.
"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."
Belfast Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Séamus de Faoite said he was in disbelief after Ms McNally's death.
He tweeted: "The last time I got a good chat with Natalie she was heading home with her parents from Belfast Pride."
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Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart of the Democratic Unionist Party described her as "a young woman who had everything to live for".
Police were called to the house in Silverwood Green at 22:00 GMT on Monday.
Dt Ch Insp John Caldwell said he wanted information from people who may have driven along the Kiln Road in Lurgan between 20:45 and 21:45 on Sunday.
He urged people to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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- Published21 December 2022
