Family 'crushed' as investigation continues into woman's murder

The family of Amy Doherty, who was killed in Londonderry, have said they have been "crushed with disbelief, sadness and pain".

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of the mother-of-two on Saturday and is still being questioned by police.

Amy was found injured at a property in Summer Meadows Mews at about 10:20 GMT and later died in hospital.

Her parents, Patrick and Sharon, said: "Her bubbly character and fun-loving spirit lifted the hearts of all who met her."

They said Amy was the best mother to her two children, and that her life revolved around her love and care of them.

Her parents said she was also loved by her two brothers.

"Please pray for us all at this time," the statement read.

Amy is the 30th woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.

The 30-year-old man was arrested on Saturday.

It is understood he fell from the Foyle Bridge that morning, prompting road closures and a search and rescue operation.

He was later rescued and arrested by police and remains in custody.

On Sunday, police carried out door-to-door inquiries as part of their murder investigation.

Forensic officers and detectives also spent much of the day at the property where Amy was found.

On Monday Det Insp Ferguson from the PSNI's major investigation team said officers would maintain a presence in the Summer Meadows area over the coming days.

"At 28 years old, Amy was just a young woman," the senior officer said, adding "my thoughts are, first and foremost, with her family and friends at this unimaginably distressing time."

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward.

Derry's mayor Ruairí McHugh said the thoughts and prayers of the entire city were with Amy's family.

"No words can ease the pain of such a loss, but please be assured that the community stands with you in grief, support, and solidarity," he said.

A book of condolence has been opened at Derry's Guildhall.

McHugh said it would allow people the opportunity to "come together in compassion, to support one another, and to honour her memory in the days ahead."

Marie Brown, chief executive of Foyle Women's Aid and the Family Justice Centre, said Amy had "such a life to look forward to".

Speaking to BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme, Brown said her heart went out to Amy's family and friends.

She said she was "concerned about the women across Northern Ireland".

"Every day our staff are working really hard to reach as many as they can but I am concerned about the rising number of homicides, and I fear we are becoming too complacent on it as well," she said.

"There's a ripple effect right across the family and relatives, you know, that will have an impact today, so my heart goes out to them," Brown added.

"Most of the women that come through our services have children and those children will be impacted forever because the most precious thing that they have is their mother and she's not there.

"Today is a day that Derry will mourn a young woman."

SDLP assembly member Mark H Durkan met Amy's family on Sunday and said the city had been "engulfed with shock and sadness".

Durkan said there was a "palpable feeling of anger that a young woman has had her life so cruelly taken from her and that two children have had their mother robbed from them so brutally and so senselessly".

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme, he said that Amy's family are "completely devastated".

He described how this is "such a massive loss", adding that she was "very much loved and very well liked".

Further tributes have been paid to Ms Doherty.

Her employer, NWCare, said they were "devastated to learn about the unexpected passing" and that she "was the essence of humanity, kind, compassionate and beautiful".

Sinn Féin MLA Ciara Ferguson said there was "complete shock" across the city after the suspected murder.

"A young woman's life was taken in the latest act of violence against women and girls and I appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI," she added.

The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Niree McMorris from the DUP, said she was "horrified and disgusted" and it was "happening all to often".

"We need to educate young boys in schools about healthy relationships," she said.

People in the community have been expressing their shock.

Lynzi Nicholl said that it "brings tears to my eyes".

"It is happening to much," she said.

"It's really shocking, what can you say?" Elizabeth Smithies told BBC News NI.

"A young life taken for what? It's frightening," she said.

Mary Bradley said she was"very concerned about the amount of attacks on women."

Olivia Thompson said it was "absolutely tragic" and "very upsetting".

"It seems to be happening more and more," she added.