Natalie McNally: Police renew appeal over Lurgan murder

Natalie McNally, 32, was 15 weeks pregnant when she was killed earlier this month

Police have renewed their appeal for information about the murder of Natalie McNally in County Armagh.

The 32-year-old was 15 weeks pregnant when she was stabbed in her home at Silverwood Green in Lurgan.

It is believed that she died on the night of Sunday 18 December.

Police have previously released CCTV footage of a suspect near her home.

The charity Crimestoppers has offered a £20,000 reward for information.

Two arrests have been made in connection with Ms McNally's death but no-one has been charged.

A 32-year-old man arrested on 19 December was released the next day is no longer a suspect.

Another 32-year-old man was arrested on 21 December and has been released on police bail while detectives continue their inquiries.

Police have previously said she may have known her killer.

On Friday Det Ch Insp Neil McGuinness said: "Our investigation into what was a violent murder remains ongoing and we are continuing to appeal to anyone with any information which may assist us to come forward.

A funeral service was held at Natalie McNally's parents' home in Craigavon on Monday

"Last week we released CCTV footage, which shows a man, carrying a rucksack, arriving at Silverwood Green on Sunday night at 20:52 GMT.

"Then at 21:00 we see him walking out of Silverwood Green.

• Suspect seen in victim's street on night of Lurgan stabbing

"He appears to be wearing white footwear, possibly trainers.

"Our efforts to identify the individual captured in this footage remain ongoing and we would appeal to anyone who believes they recognise this person to get in touch."

Ms McNally's funeral service was held at her parents' home in Craigavon on Monday morning.

Last Friday relatives, friends and neighbours released balloons and observed a silence during a vigil outside her home.

Ms McNally's brother Declan thanked people for the comfort and support they had shown the family.

"Please, anybody who has any information whatsoever, please bring it to the police," he urged.

Another sibling, Niall, had earlier appealed for her killer to confess.

Those with information are asked to contact police directly by calling 101.

Alternatively the public can contact Crimestoppers anonymously.

Investigation timeline

SUNDAY 18 DECEMBER

• 20:52 - Man carrying rucksack seen on CCTV arriving in Natalie McNally's street, Silverwood Green

• 21:30 - CCTV footage shows man leaving Silverwood Green

MONDAY 19 DECEMBER

• 22:00 - Emergency services called to Ms McNally's house. She is pronounced dead and a man in his 30s is arrested on suspicion of murder

TUESDAY 20 DECEMBER

• Suspect released. Cause of Ms McNally's death is not confirmed but police say they are treating it as "suspicious"

WEDNESDAY 21 DECEMBER

• 18:00 - Police say Ms McNally suffered several stab wounds, some of which were defensive, and are treating her death as murder

• 23:52 - 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder

THURSDAY 22 DECEMBER

• 15:45 - CCTV footage released of man with rucksack

• 19:50 - 32-year-old man released on police bail