Man (85) arrested on suspicion of murder after death of woman in her 80s in Co Down

Detectives are questioning an 85-year-old man on suspicion of murder after a woman was found dead in her Co Down home.

Patricia ‘Patsy’ Aust (81) was discovered in a house in the Hawthorne Court area of Bangor on Sunday evening.

The former secondary school teacher had lived in the quiet residential area of the seaside town for several years.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said while enquiries were at an early stage they were not seeking anyone else in connection with the murder.

Rev Mark Johnston of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church knew Ms Aust personally and said there was “utter devastation and shock” at her death.

She lost her only son, Gareth, last September and “cared deeply” for her young grandson.

“Patsy was a stalwart in the local community of Clandeboye village. She was a very gracious lady who has loved and cared for her family selflessly until yesterday. She was very private and never one for the spotlight.

“Clandeboye is a very special part of Bangor and Patsy and her family are much loved in part of a very close-knit community from a generation or two ago where people look out for each other. I think that’s why there is so much shock at what is unfolding. We are just trying to get our heads around it.”

Police are appealing for information about the murder, with local Independent MLA Alex Easton describing a sense of “bewilderment” in the area.

Mr Easton visited it on Monday morning and spoke to neighbours.

“People are shocked and can’t believe something like this could happen. It’s a quiet neighbourhood and there’s never any trouble.”

Detective chief inspector Neil McGuinness from the PSNI’s major investigation team said officers responded to a report of the death of a woman in a house on Sunday.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Patricia, also known as Patsy, was 81 years old. My thoughts, and that of my team, are first and foremost with her loved ones at this distressing time.

“A murder investigation is under way and a man, aged 85, arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody at this time.

“I am appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation to contact detectives on 101. If you noticed or heard anything untoward please get in touch.”