Northern Ireland

Derry murder victim named as Montserrat Martorell as police warn over ‘online speculation’

The PSNI is keen to to speak with a white man, aged in his 30s, who was seen in the area wearing a grey jacket with hood up, blue jeans, trainers and a light coloured shirt between 1am and 2am

the scene of a murder in the Harvey Street area of Derry city on Saturday. A womans body was discovered in a house after a fire in the building. Picture Margaret McLaughlin 24-8-2024
Forensics at the scene of a murder in the Harvey Street area of Derry city on Saturday. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN (MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN PHOTOGRAPHY )
By Catherine McGinty

The woman found murdered at a flat in Derry’s Harvey Street at the weekend has been named as 65-year-old Montserrat Martorell.

Confirming Ms Martorell’s identity on Monday, Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly also warned about “online speculation” regarding her death.

He said: “I am aware of online speculation which is extremely unhelpful and deeply distressing to Ms Martorell’s family, and would ask people to refrain from engaging in this.

“We will investigate any posts online which could potentially prejudice judicial proceedings.”

Extending his condolences to Ms Martorell’s family and friends in Spain, Detective Chief Inspector Kelly said the PSNI was “keen to to speak with a white man, aged in his 30s, who was seen in the area wearing a grey jacket with hood up, blue jeans, trainers and a light coloured shirt between 1am and 2am”.

He added: “Our detectives are working at full pace to establish exactly what happened.

“Our investigation is at an early stage and enquiries are ongoing. I am continuing to appeal to anyone who may have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact detectives on 101.”