A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a pregnant woman in Northern Ireland, which has been described as a 'double tragedy'.

Police have begun a murder investigation following the death of a pregnant woman who was stabbed to death in her home in Lurgan, Co Armagh.

A postmortem examination found that Natalie McNally (32), who 15 weeks pregnant, was stabbed a number of times and sustained defensive injuries.

Her body was discovered at her home in the Silverwood Green area of the town on Monday night.

PSNI Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell described her death as a double tragedy.

This fatal attack, which happened in her own home, has therefore resulted in a double tragedy: the death of a mother to be, along with her unborn baby,' Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell said.

'Her death has left family and friends devastated, and the local community in shock.

'What should have been a happy time in the run-up to Christmas has changed to unimaginable grief and heartache.'

Mr Caldwell described Ms McNally as 'much loved by her devoted parents and family'.

My thoughts are with them at this time,' he said.

Ms McNally worked in the marketing team of public transport provider Translink.

The company said: 'We have been shocked and saddened today by the news of the loss of our colleague and friend Natalie.

'She was a valued member of the Translink marketing team and we would like to extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family and friends at this very sad time.' 

Friends and colleagues of Ms McNally posted tributes online, Matthew Beaumont said: 'Natalie was one of the best people I had the honour to know in this country.

'She was one of the first friends I made here and was so helpful and supportive of me moving into politics and helping people.

'I'm absolutely devastated to see this. The world has lost a good egg.'

While Belfast Social Democratic and Labour Party councillor Séamus de Faoite said: 'The last time I got a good chat with Natalie she was heading home with her parents from Belfast Pride.

'She was so happy & buzzing after having an amazing day. Her cat updates and public transit appreciation were so wholesome. I cannot believe this has happened. I'm in disbelief.'

In particular, I am appealing to motorists who were travelling on the Kiln Road, Lurgan on Sunday December 18, between 8.45pm and 9.45pm, and who may have captured dash-cam footage of this journey.