HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a devoted mum-of-two who died after being found seriously injured in Co Down on Saturday.
Karen Cummins was pronounced dead shortly after police received a report of an unconscious woman with a “serious head injury” inside a house in the Lauren Heights area of Banbridge town.
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The ex-husband of the murdered nurse took to Facebook and told how she will be “forever loved”.
He said: “My wife, fly high, forever loved.”
Tragic tributes have poured in on social media for Karen, with one person telling how she was a “lovely and kind girl”.
Newry and Armagh SDLP MLA Justin McNulty told how Karen had “dedicated her life” to the care of others.
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He continued: “As a paediatric nurse, Karen was admired, respected, and held in the highest esteem by colleagues and patients alike.
“Karen was a children’s nurse at Daisy Hill Hospital and she was a mother of two young children. Her life was brutally ended by the cruelty of violent men.
“There are no words that can articulate the shock, the horror, and the anger being felt by Karen’s children, family and friends.
“My heart is broken for her two young children, Curtis and Zara, who have had their mummy stolen from them in the mouth of Christmas.
“Karen is the 25th woman murdered in NI since 2020, and the seventh woman this year.
“It is an outrage that our justice system is failing to protect women and girls from violent offenders. This cannot go on.”
The Family Life Foundation added: “Karen Cummins is the seventh woman to be killed in Northern Ireland this year.
“Karen was only 40 years old. A mum of two young children. Her children’s lives will never be the same again.
“Two men have been arrested on suspicion of her murder.
“May god look over her children, family, friends and work colleagues at this very difficult time.”
A vigil is being held for Karen on Thursday, December 19 in Marcus Square in Newry at 6pm.
Detectives from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder inquiry following the death.
TWO ARRESTED
On Sunday, Detective Inspector Miller confirmed that two men have been arrested in connection with the investigation.
He said: “A 42-year-old man was arrested at the scene on Saturday evening, 14th December on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
“Meanwhile, a second man aged in his 30s, was arrested in the local area today also on suspicion of murder, and is in custody at present.
“Our investigation is at a very early stage and we are working to establish the full circumstances that led to this brutal and senseless murder.”
Superintendent Brendan Green, District Commander for Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, said officers will be “doing everything in their power” to conduct a thorough investigation.
PUBLIC APPEAL
He continued: “Our thoughts are with Ms Cummings’ family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened, and they have our full sympathy at this time.
“Cordons remain in place today and local residents will continue to see an increased visible police presence.
“Please be reassured that our officers will be doing everything in their power to conduct a thorough investigation into what has happened, and we would urge members of the public not to speculate.
“Local people will see our officers in and around the area.
“Should anyone have any concerns or want to ask for help or advice, please speak to us. We want to help.”
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