Murder hunt launched after woman’s body found in garage

Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman’s body was found (Niall Carson/PA)

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a woman’s body was discovered in the garage of a house in east Belfast.

The victim has been named by police as 43-year-old Rachel Simpson.

One man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s major investigation team (Liam McBurney/PA)

Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “While responding to a concern for safety at a house in the Castlereagh Road area shortly after 10.30pm on Friday 13th September, officers discovered Rachel’s body in a garage beside the property.

“A man, aged 21, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and he remains in police custody at this time.

“Officers remain at the scene as we continue with our investigation. A post-mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.

“I am appealing to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area between 5pm and 10.30pm, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage, to please contact Detectives on 101 and quote reference 1693 of 13/09/24.”