A woman found dead in her flat in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, was the victim of a “heinous and evil” attack, police said.

A fire was reported at a bottom-floor flat on Harvey Street, Londonderry, at around 4.15am on Saturday.

Emergency services found the woman – believed to be aged in her 40s to 60s – in the bedroom of the apartment. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has opened a murder investigation into the incident and said they have increased police presence in the city.

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Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly said officers are working to identify the victim, and added: “From our inquiries so far, we can tell you that the victim suffered a horrific attack and sustained multiple injuries.

“We know this brutal murder has caused great concern, understandably, but we can assure you we are working at full pace to establish what happened and catch those responsible for this heinous and evil crime.”

The PSNI has appealed for information.

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Mark H Durkan, SDLP MLA for Foyle, called the incident “harrowing and heartbreaking” in a statement on Facebook.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with a family waking to the worst possible news this morning,” he added.

“Please, please come forward if you have any information at all that might help the police with their investigation.”

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