Police seek information over death of young trainee nurse in Derry

The PSNI has issued a fresh appeal for people to come forward with information about the last known movements of a young woman who died in Derry.

The 19-year-old,  who was from Portaferry in the Co.Down area, died after being taken to Altnagelvin Hospital from a flat in the Cromore Gardens area of the city (pictured above) in the early hours of this morning.

The PSNI has confirmed that the young woman had been found unconscious at the foot of some stairs.

Police have also confirmed that she left a nightclub in the city centre at around 1am this morning (Thursday), where she had been with her friends.

A post-mortem examination will be held tomorrow to determine the cause of death.

The 21-year-old man who was arrested earlier today remains in custody at the Antrim serious crime suite.

Detectives are now appealing for information to trace her last movements.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Harvey, who is leading the enquiry, said: “The death of any young person is always tragic, and I would first of all like to express my condolences to the relatives and friends of the young woman.

“She was aged just 19 and was from the Co Down area.  She was in Derry as part of her university studies to become a nurse.

“What we know so far is that shortly before 2.30am, paramedics were called to a flat at Cromore Gardens.

“They found the young woman unconscious at the foot of some stairs.  She was taken to hospital, where she sadly died.

“We are trying to establish her movements before 2am.  We know that she was in a nightclub in the city centre with friends.  We believe she left the nightclub in a taxi at about 1am.

"We are keeping and open mind as to the circumstances of this tragic death."

He added: “If anyone saw anything unusual in the Cromore Gardens area, we would like them to contact the detectives at Strand Road police station by calling the 101 non-emergency number and asking for extension 57072.”