THE young woman suspected to have been murdered in Enniskillen at the weekend has been named locally.
The victim was Ellie Flanagan, who was in her 20s and a popular figure in the town.
Her body was found on Saturday night at a house in the Corban Avenue area of the town.
Police have launched a murder investigation and are continuing to question a 45-year-old man in connection with her death.
It is believed the man arrested was known to Ellie, who was involved in a local drama group.
As news of the shocking incident emerged yesterday, prayers were said for the young woman and her family at local churches.
Police have said they will be stepping up patrols in Enniskillen in the coming days.
Outlining the events of Saturday night, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, from the Major Investigation Team, said police received a report that a man driving a grey Nissan Juke was involved in a collision on the Carn Road, near Tempo, at around 9.15pm on Saturday.
“Upon arrival, officers located the car but the driver had left the scene. Enquiries determined that the car was registered to an address in the Corban Avenue area of Enniskillen,” said DCI Robinson.
“When officers arrived at the house they discovered the body of a woman, aged in her 20s.
“A short time later, a man aged 45, was arrested near the scene on the Carn Road on suspicion of murder and other related offences.”
Custody
The man remains in custody.
“Our detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the woman’s death, and I am appealing to anyone with information that could assist with our investigation to come forward,” added DCI Robinson.
“We’re especially keen to hear from anyone who was travelling on the Cornagrade Road into Corban Avenue between 6.30pm and 10.45pm on Saturday evening and noticed anything out of the ordinary or suspicious, to make contact with us.”
Working at pace
Fermanagh and Omagh District Commander, Superintendent Pete Cunningham said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened.
“I want to reassure the local community that detectives are working at pace, and we would also urge members of the public not to speculate.
“As a victim-focused organisation, violence against women and girls is a priority for policing, and I understand that incidents like this will cause significant concern. We are doing everything we can to ensure women and girls feel safe in our communities.
“I would encourage anyone who may have information about what happened on Saturday evening, regardless of how small it may seem, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1564 07/03/26.
“There will be an increased police presence in the area today, and over the coming days, our officers are here to help with any concerns you may have. Please reach out and speak with them if needed.”
