The woman has been named by police as Alyson Nelson. A man in his 60s was later arrested on suspicion of murder after the 64-year-old was attacked around tea time on Saturday in the seaside village of Whitehead. Read more: The victim of Whitehead is named 64-year-old Alyson Nelson Police, Nurses from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance were called to Ms Nelson’s home on Victoria Avenue at approximately 6:10 p.m. following reports of a knife. The victim, a very loving mother and grandmother, was pronounced dead at the scene. The arrested man appears to know the victim and detectives say they are not looking for other suspects. Ms. Nelson had lived in the area for many years and along with her extended family was a popular member of the local community. Friends and neighbors woke up on Easter Sunday to learn the devastating news of a murder on their doorstep. People who left flowers at the site yesterday said they were shocked and saddened by the death of Ms Nelson, who was often seen walking her dogs and talking to neighbors. Read more related articles Read more related articles “This is something that is really shocking for Whitehead, especially now that things are going back to normal and people are out and about again,” local Maive Taylor told the BBC. “I’m very sorry for her family and she was a wonderful neighbor, a wonderful lady. She walked her dogs, everyone knew her from all over the city that she was out and about and always very friendly, very talkative. “She will miss him very much and it is shocking how she died,” he added. Many also visited social media to pay tribute to a “wonderful woman” and “a kind, loving, beautiful lady.” The scene at Whitehead on Sunday morning (Image: Declan Roughan / PressEye) Ulster Unity Party leader Doug Beattie described her death as “so horrible news for Easter Sunday”. His East Antrim party colleague, John Stewart, said such shocking and tragic news was almost impossible to accept. “My thoughts and deepest condolences are with Alyson’s family and friends, and with the Whitehead people who are all struggling to cope with this horrific attack,” she added. Alliance adviser Sian Mulholland said: “The heart aches for Alyson Nelson’s family and friends. I can only imagine the feeling of their loss today, I hope they are surrounded by love and support in the coming days and weeks “. The former caregiver is the last of many women to have died violently in Northern Ireland in recent years. The detainee remains in custody by the police tonight. Detective Inspector PSNI Foreman said: “At this stage we are not looking for any more suspects. “Our investigation is at an early stage. However, I will appeal to anyone who has information to contact us at 101. “Information can also be obtained from the independent charity Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous.” Read more: Police launch investigation into the murder of a woman at Co Antrim Read more: Mary Lou McDonald seeks ‘partnership’ with trade unionists to build a united Ireland To receive the latest news directly in your inbox, subscribe to our free newsletter.
