Armed police took man into custody following death of 71-year-old womanThe 31-year-old man is known to the victim
On Tuesday, police confirmed they were investigating a sudden death in the Shore Road.
The victim has been named by police as 71-year-old Marie Green.
A man aged 31 from Belfast and who is known to the victim was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody.
In an update on Wednesday, a PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives investigating the murder of Marie Green in north Belfast have this morning, Wednesday 4 June, been granted a court extension of an additional 36 hours to question a 31-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.”
The Belfast Telegraph understands armed police were called to an address late on Monday evening after receiving a distressed 999 call from Ms Green.
Upon arriving, they could not locate a suspect, who it is believed had fled the scene.
Police returned to the property shortly after midnight on Tuesday morning.
Video footage from the arrest shows a suspect dressed in forensic style overalls being apprehended by police, arrested and placed in the back of a police vehicle.
Other emergency services including the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were also witnessed at the scene.
Cordons were later put in place with forensic officers seen entering the property and removing large plastic bags filled with various items.
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Officer at the scene on the Shore Road yesterday (Kevin Scott)
Police at the scene of a sudden death in north Belfast
Several metal panels were also seen being placed into an evidence bag. Police remained at the scene on Tuesday.
One neighbour described seeing a bare-chested man being bundled into a police vehicle before being driven away.
As the news spread through the community, people spoke of their shock and sadness.
Half a dozen police officers were gathered at the scene — a terraced house in a row occupied predominantly by older residents, overlooking an empty park on the other side of the road.
“I’m just in complete shock,” one neighbour said.
Another added: “It really is shocking, I am just stunned.”
Some people looked on from the other side of the road as police carried on with their work. “Shock in the area? I would say there is,” said one local shop worker. “There is probably a rumour mill as well.
“People can’t believe it, just being down the road. You certainly don’t expect it.
“She would have been a regular at the shop. I know that someone has been arrested.”
Another spoke of fear in the community, with a mix of confusion and sadness.
“Everybody is shocked, there were a lot of police about. There is a bit of fear there as well. We just don’t know what happened yet,” they added.
Another said: “We were woken by blue lights at about 1am. We went down and a police officer said, ‘We are dealing with a very serious incident’.
“There is a lot of shock in the area.”
They added: “This is a very quiet neighbourhood. We heard police shouting at someone, then this bare-chested man was taken away by police at gunpoint.”
Police at the scene of a sudden death in the Shore Road area of North Belfast (Kevin Scott)
North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett said: “There is a massive shock and sadness in the Shore Road community following last night’s tragic incident.
“I have spoken with the police. An arrest has been made.
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted.”
As a cordon remained in place throughout Tuesday morning, police said their “enquiries continue”.
Alliance North Belfast MLA Nuala McAllister said: “This was a horrifying incident and I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the victim. The local community is in immense shock, but I have no doubt they will come together to support the family during what will be such a distressing time.
“In the midst of this distressing news, police need space to investigate the situation. I will be liaising with them on this matter in the coming days.
“I want to thank the PSNI for their swift and professional response, and if anyone has any information, please pass it to police immediately.”