A former nurse who was stabbed to death at her home in Ko Antrim over the Easter weekend was honored.
The woman was identified by police as Alison Nelson.
A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after a 64-year-old man was attacked over tea on Saturday in the coastal village of Whitehead.
Read more: Whitehead’s victim is Alison Nelson, 64
Police, paramedics from the Northern Ireland Ambulance and the Air Ambulance were called to Ms Nelson’s house on Victoria Avenue at around 6:10 p.m.
The victim, a much-loved mother and grandmother, was pronounced dead on the spot.
Understandably, the arrested man knew the victim and detectives said they were not looking for other suspects.
Ms. Nelson has lived in the area for many years and was a popular member of the local community with her entire family.
Friends and neighbors woke up on Easter to hear the devastating news of a murder on their own doorstep.
People leaving flowers at the site said yesterday they were shocked and saddened by the death of Ms Nelson, who is often seen walking her dogs and talking to neighbors.
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“This is something that is really shocking for Whitehead, especially now that things are starting to return to normal and people are out again,” local woman Maeve Taylor told the BBC.
“I am 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 outside and always very friendly, very talkative.
“She will miss her very much and it is just shocking how she died,” she added.
Many also turned to social media to pay tribute to “a beautiful woman” and “a kind, caring, beautiful lady.”
The scene in Whitehead on Sunday morning (Image: Declan Roughan / PressEye)
Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beatty described her death as “such terrible 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 sympathies are with Alison’s family and friends, as well as the Whitehead people who are all struggling to cope with this horrific attack,” he added.
Alliance adviser Sian Mulholland said: “Alison Nelson’s family and friends are heartbroken. I can only imagine their sense of loss today, I hope they are surrounded by love and support in the coming days and weeks. “
The former nurse is the latest of several women to have died violently in Northern Ireland in recent years.
The detainee remains in police custody tonight.
PSNI Detective Inspector Foreman said: “We are not looking for any other suspects at this time.
“Our inquiries are at an early stage. However, I urge anyone who has information to contact us at 101.
“Information can also be made available to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous.”
Read more: Police launch investigation into murder after woman stabbed in Ko Antrim
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