A SECOND arrest has been made in the probe into the murder of a pregnant mum, as emotional tributes were left at the tragic scene today.
A number of MLAs raised concerns over gender-based violence as police continue to question a 28-year-old man, and a woman was arrested over the murder of pregnant mother-of-two Sarah Montgomery.
Sarah was expecting her third child at the time of her death[/caption]
The 27-year-old died at a house in Donaghadee in Co Down at the weekend.
The Stormont Assembly was told she 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”.
27TH KILLED SINCE 2020
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.”
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.
And PSNI have also arrested a woman, 42, in Belfast on suspicion of assisting an offender.
SECOND ARREST
Investigating officers have confirmed both the man and woman were known to Sarah.
They are currently not looking for anyone else in relation to the young mum’s death, but are continuing to appeal for information.
In a statement today the PSNI said: “Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team investigating the murder of 27-year-old Sarah Montgomery in Donaghadee, have made a second arrest.
“A 42-year-old woman has been arrested in Belfast earlier today, Monday 30th June, on suspicion of assisting an offender. She remains in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
“A 28-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder over the weekend, remains in police custody.
“Both suspects were known to the victim and at present, no-one else is being sought in connection with the crime.
“Police continue to appeal to the public for help with the investigation.”
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Phillips added: “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 27th July?
“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 27th July? 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.
MAKE A REPORT
“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.”
He added: “If you know anything that will help with our investigation, please contact us on 101 quoting reference number 865 28/06/25.”
“A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
