Police arrest five people over the murder of Deborah Hunter

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have arrested five people on suspicion of the murder of Deborah Hunter.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson said toay: “The 50 year old was found dead in her home at Finmore Court, off the Newtownards Road, on Thursday 6 November.

“Officers are now treating her death as murder.

“Three men aged 52, 46 and 33 and two women aged 44 and 46 were detained in the east Belfast area this morning.”

All are now being questioned at a police station.

Mrs Hunter, who had five children, had previously made a complaint of assault to police which is under investigation.

Last week, detectives in MIT based at Ladas Drive in east Belfast said they were very keen to speak to anyone who had spoken to or had seen Mrs Hunter between 7 October and 6 November.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Dickson said at the time: “Deborah Hunter was well known in the lower Newtownards Road area.

“We are issuing a photo of her which was taken shortly after she had complained to police that she’d been assaulted by a number of people.

“In order for police to be able to determine whether or not her death was suspicious, we need to speak to anyone who saw Deborah or spoke to her between 7 October and 6 November when she was found dead in her home.

“I am asking anyone who can provide information to contact detectives at Ladas drive on the non-emergency 101 number.”