The name of a woman who was murdered in Whitehead, County Antrim, has been published by police.

A murder inquiry has been initiated in the wake of the death of Alyson Nelson, 64, a long-time resident of the town.

At the scene, she was pronounced deceased. A man in his sixties was apprehended.

At approximately 18:10 BST on Saturday, police were summoned to a property on Victoria Avenue following claims of a stabbing.

They stated that the individual had been apprehended and was being held in police custody on suspicion of murder.

On Saturday evening, the event occurred on Victoria Avenue in the town center.

Police have made a public call for anyone with knowledge to come forward.

According to the BBC, Ms. Nelson was frequently seen walking her dogs and conversing with neighbors.

Residents in the vicinity have expressed shock and sadness over her death.

Maeve Taylor, of Whitehead, described herself as “devastated” by the incident.

“I feel so sorry for her family, she was a lovely neighbor, a lovely lady,” she told BBC News NI.

“She walked her dogs, everybody knew her around the town. She would have been out and about and always very friendly, very chatty and she will be badly missed.

“It is just shocking, how she has passed away.”

Rev Mark Taylor, a Church of Ireland rector in Whitehead, said “there was a great deal of shock” at what had happened and that the community’s thoughts and prayers were with Ms. Nelson’s family.

“This is a quiet, seaside town,” he added.

“There are families that are torn apart and it is very hurtful for them, very difficult for them to deal with.

“They are known to people in the community, who care for them deeply.”

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