Latest news with #DetectiveChiefInspector
The Sun
02-07-2025
- The Sun
Man charged with murder and child destruction by cops after pregnant mum-of-two found dead at home in Co Down
A MAN has been charged with the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed this evening that detectives investigating the death have charged a man, 28, with murder and child destruction. 2 The 28-year-old man is due to appear before Newtownards Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 2. The PSNI added in a statement: "As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service." A 42-year-old woman arrested over the same incident has since been released. Pregnant mother-of-two Ms Montgomery died at her home in Donaghadee, Co Down on Saturday. Police had said the two people arrested were known to the victim and no-one else is being sought in connection with the death. On Tuesday detectives confirmed the woman, who had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, had been released unconditionally. The death of Ms Montgomery has led to fresh concerns from politicians about the level of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. Floral tributes have been left outside Ms Montgomery's home in the Elmfield Walk area. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said on Monday: 'This is an incredibly tragic case which has devastated Sarah's family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved mum. 'Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah's family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved to justice. 'If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.' 2
BreakingNews.ie
30-06-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Police investigating murder of Sarah Montgomery make second arrest
Police investigating the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down have made a second arrest. A 42-year-old woman has been arrested in Belfast on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender. Advertisement A 28-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend, remains in police custody. Police said they had been granted a court extension of a further 36 hours to question him. Ms Montgomery, 27, died at a house in Donaghadee on Saturday. Our detectives have made a second arrest – a 42-year-old woman - as our investigation into the tragic murder of Sarah Montgomery in Donaghadee continues at pace. Any information you can provide, no matter how small, could be invaluable. Full details: — Police Ards and North Down (@PSNIArdsNDown) June 30, 2025 Police have said that both suspects were known to the victim and no-one else is being sought in connection with the crime. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detectives have made a new appeal for information. Advertisement Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: 'We are working at pace to determine the circumstances of Sarah's tragic murder and need help from people in the Donaghadee and Belfast areas. 'Did you see or hear anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday June 27? 'Did you see a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate, East Belfast between 3.30pm and 4.15pm on Friday June 27? 'Do you have CCTV, dashcam or phone footage which could be useful in our investigation? Advertisement 'Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.' Mr Phillips added: 'This is an incredibly tragic case which has devastated Sarah's family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved mum. 'Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah's family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice. 'If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.' Advertisement Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Assembly has been told that the epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is worsening. A number of MLAs raised concerns over gender-based violence. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'Another young mother, her life being taken. 'It's just such a tragedy and it just really underlines for us all once again that we have a huge problem in our society with violence against women and girls.' Advertisement SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said the death of Sarah Montgomery was an 'unspeakable act of violence' (Liam McBurney/PA) The Assembly was told Ms Montgomery was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said the death of Ms Montgomery was an 'unspeakable act of violence which has robbed her children of their mother and shattered a family forever'. She added: 'There is no grief more profound than that of a child torn from the love, safety and care of their mother. 'Their lives undoubtedly changed forever.' Ms Hunter said: 'This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a worsening epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. 'We are failing women, we are failing children and we are failing to meet this crisis with sufficient urgency, co-ordination and political will that it so greatly requires. 'Too many women in our communities live in fear, fear in their homes, fear on the streets and fear in their relationships. 'This fear is not imagined. It is real and it is justified.' DUP MLA Stephen Dunne said Ms Montgomery's death was devastating (Liam McBurney/PA) DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne described the death of Ms Montgomery as 'devastating'. He added: 'Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure. 'A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case. 'Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.' He added: 'Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery. 'There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.' Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan described the death of Ms Montgomery as an 'absolutely tragic loss'. Connie Egan said the death of Ms Montgomery was a tragic loss (Liam McBurney/PA) She said: 'My thoughts first and foremost are with Sarah's loved ones, her family and, of course, her two little children who have to grow up without their mummy. 'Sarah was also pregnant at the time she was killed. 'This is an absolutely horrendous and tragic loss and I know the people in Donaghadee are shocked. 'Tributes left outside her home describe Sarah as a beautiful, kind and wonderful mother.' She added: 'Sarah was the 27th woman to have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'Our rates of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland are shockingly high and it is completely unacceptable.'
The Independent
30-06-2025
- The Independent
Police investigating murder of Sarah Montgomery make second arrest
Police investigating the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery in Co Down have made a second arrest. A 42-year-old woman has been arrested in Belfast on Monday on suspicion of assisting an offender. A 28-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend, remains in police custody. Police said they had been granted a court extension of a further 36 hours to question him. Ms Montgomery, 27, died at a house in Donaghadee on Saturday. Police have said that both suspects were known to the victim and no-one else is being sought in connection with the crime. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detectives have made a new appeal for information. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips said: 'We are working at pace to determine the circumstances of Sarah's tragic murder and need help from people in the Donaghadee and Belfast areas. 'Did you see or hear anything unusual or suspicious in the Elmfield Walk area of Donaghadee between 1.20pm and 2.20pm on Friday June 27? 'Did you see a yellow Jeep Avenger in the Airport Road area of the Belfast Harbour Estate, East Belfast between 3.30pm and 4.15pm on Friday June 27? 'Do you have CCTV, dashcam or phone footage which could be useful in our investigation? 'Even if you think it may not be important, please come forward and speak with us as even very small pieces of information could prove invaluable to us.' Mr Phillips added: 'This is an incredibly tragic case which has devastated Sarah's family and friends, and leaves two small children without their beloved mum. 'Specially trained officers will continue to support Sarah's family and we are working to do everything in our power to bring anyone involved in this senseless murder to justice. 'If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.' Meanwhile, the Northern Ireland Assembly has been told that the epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland is worsening. A number of MLAs raised concerns over gender-based violence. First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'Another young mother, her life being taken. 'It's just such a tragedy and it just really underlines for us all once again that we have a huge problem in our society with violence against women and girls.' The Assembly was told Ms Montgomery was the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. SDLP MLA Cara Hunter said the death of Ms Montgomery was an 'unspeakable act of violence which has robbed her children of their mother and shattered a family forever'. She added: 'There is no grief more profound than that of a child torn from the love, safety and care of their mother. 'Their lives undoubtedly changed forever.' Ms Hunter said: 'This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a worsening epidemic of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. 'We are failing women, we are failing children and we are failing to meet this crisis with sufficient urgency, co-ordination and political will that it so greatly requires. 'Too many women in our communities live in fear, fear in their homes, fear on the streets and fear in their relationships. 'This fear is not imagined. It is real and it is justified.' DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunne described the death of Ms Montgomery as 'devastating'. He added: 'Sarah is the 27th adult woman to be killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'The majority of these woman have been killed in their own homes, which is a truly shocking and devastating figure. 'A home should be a place of refuge and safety, but sadly that is not always the case. 'Again, it highlights the need for tougher sentencing as well, when we see so many lives ended and totally devastated and shattered with this ongoing scourge of our society of violence against women and girls.' He added: 'Donaghadee is a very close-knit and caring community and I know the community there is already rallying around the family of Sarah Montgomery. 'There is a real sense of shock and sadness and alarm around the devastating events at the weekend.' Alliance Party MLA Connie Egan described the death of Ms Montgomery as an 'absolutely tragic loss'. She said: 'My thoughts first and foremost are with Sarah's loved ones, her family and, of course, her two little children who have to grow up without their mummy. 'Sarah was also pregnant at the time she was killed. 'This is an absolutely horrendous and tragic loss and I know the people in Donaghadee are shocked. 'Tributes left outside her home describe Sarah as a beautiful, kind and wonderful mother.' She added: 'Sarah was the 27th woman to have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020. 'Our rates of violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland are shockingly high and it is completely unacceptable.'
Sky News
16-06-2025
- Sky News
Stephen Speedie: Two charged amid murder investigation after man found dead on road
Two suspects have been charged amid a murder investigation following the death of a man in Perthshire. Officers received a report of concern for a man on the road between Dunning and Kinross at about 7am on Friday. Stephen Speedie, a 29-year-old from Perth, was pronounced dead at the scene. In an update on Monday, Police Scotland said Mr Speedie's death is now being treated as murder following a post-mortem examination. Detectives believe it to be an "isolated incident" with "no wider risk to the public". Two men, aged 36 and 42, have been arrested and charged in connection with the case. The pair are due to appear before Perth Sheriff Court. A 40-year-old woman was also arrested but has been released pending further investigation. Detective Chief Inspector Carron McKellar said: "Our thoughts are with Stephen's family and friends at what is an extremely difficult time. "Officers are offering support and keeping them updated with the progress of our investigation. "I understand this incident will be concerning for the local community however I'd like to reassure them we believe this was an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Hunt for fugitive Rochale grooming gang member who was found guilty of raping and abusing teenage girl as police warn him 'you can run but you can't hide'
One of the seven men convicted of exploiting two young girls as 'sex slaves' has gone on the run, police have revealed. The gang preyed on the vulnerabilities of the victims to groom them from the age of 13 over a five-year-long campaign of abuse between 2001 and 2006. Kasir Bashir, 50, was absent throughout his trial - despite answering bail on a weekly basis since being charged in 2023. In his absence, the abuser was convicted by a jury of two counts of rape, as well as two counts of indecency with a child. He is being actively sought by GMP, the force confirmed, and is officially a wanted man. It comes as three members of the gang were locked up partway through their trial following 'intelligence' that they planned to flee to Pakistan. Police said they are determined to find Bashir 'no matter where he thinks he can hide'. Anyone with information about Bashir's whereabouts have been urged to contact police or Crimestoppers, anonymously. Detective Chief Inspector Guy Laycock, the senior investigation officer on the case, said: 'The men who committed this horrific abuse have now been found guilty of their abhorrent crimes. One defendant, Kasir Bashir cowardly avoided the whole trial and thought he could escape justice. 'This is in stark contrast to the survivors who gave brave and painful testimony over the four-month trial in front of the men that so badly abused them. We will do all we can to find Bashir and ensure justice is fully served for them. 'Time was no barrier to bringing these groomers to justice, and Bashir evading the trial, will not stop us ensuring he now faces the full consequences of his actions.' Both female victims of the gang had 'deeply troubled home lives' and were given drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, places to stay and people to be with, Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard. They were expected to have sex 'whenever and wherever' the defendants and other men wanted in filthy flats, on rancid mattresses, in cars, car parks, alleyways and disused warehouses. Jurors deliberated for three weeks before delivering their unanimous guilty verdicts today. Rochdale is now not synonymous with the great achievements of the Industrial Revolution but with what has become known as Asian grooming gangs, the men's trial heard The gang's convictions in full Mohammed Zahid was convicted of ten counts of rape; four counts of indecency with a child; five counts of procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse; and one count of attempt to procure a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse. Kasir Bashir was convicted of two counts of rape; and two counts of indecency with a child. Mushtaq Ahmed was convicted of four counts of rape; four counts of indecency with a child; and one count of procuring a girl under 21 to have unlawful sexual intercourse. Roheez Khan was convicted of one count of rape. Mohammed Shahzad was convicted of five counts of rape; and one count of assault by penetration. Nisar Hussain was convicted of two counts of rape; and one count of assault by penetration. Naheem Akram was convicted of six counts of rape; and one count of assault by penetration Three of the abusers, Mohammed Zahid, 64, Mushtaq Ahmed, 67, and Bashir - all born in Pakistan - were stallholders on Rochdale's indoor market. The gang's depraved ringleader Zahid was even known as 'Knickerman' because of his underwear stall at the centuries-old trading hub. The pot-bellied, wispy-haired father-of-three exploited his products' appeal to young girls to lure in vulnerable youngsters who were then subjected to 'years of misery'. In 2016, Zahid was jailed for five years in an earlier grooming gang case after he engaged in sexual activity in 2006 with a 15-year-old girl who he met when she visited his stall to buy tights for school. Bashir did not attend the current trial as jurors were ordered not to speculate why but it can be revealed that he absconded while on bail before the trial got under way. It can also be reported that co-defendants Mohammed Shahzad, 44, Naheem Akram, 48, and Nisar Hussain, 41, were remanded in custody with their bail revoked in January before the jury was sworn in. A seventh defendant, Pakistani-born Roheez Khan, 39, also featured in another previous Rochdale grooming trial in 2013 when he was one of five men convicted of sexually exploiting a 'profoundly vulnerable' 15-year-old girl in 2008 and 2009. Khan was jailed for six-and-a-half years for engaging in sexual activity with a child and witness intimidation. Starting when they were aged just 13, two terrified girls were 'passed around' for sex between fellow traders and taxi drivers – all from Rochdale's Pakistani community - between 2001 and 2006. They would then be callously 'discarded', jurors in a ten-week trial heard. Following a string of successful prosecutions which made the Greater Manchester town grimly synonymous with the scourge of grooming gangs, the victims – now in their 30s – decided to come forward to seek justice over their ordeals.
