‘Anger and disbelief’ after mother’s murder

A woman who helped organise a vigil in memory of a mother-of-two who died at her home in Donaghadee, County Down, on Saturday, has said there is “shock, anger and disbelief” in the community.

Sarah Montgomery, 27, who was heavily pregnant with her third child, was found seriously injured before being pronounced dead at her home.

Hundreds of people attended the vigil in Donaghadee on Wednesday evening.

A man appeared in Newtownards Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday charged with her murder. Zak Hughes, 28, from Ardglen Place in north Belfast, is also charged with child destruction.

Sharon Benson, is chairperson of Donaghadee Resource Centre, who helped organise the vigil, along with North Down Women’s Aid.

She said Ms Montgomery was a “lovely” person who was “full of excitement” about having a baby boy.

“For this to be taken away from her in such a terrible way, is just absolutely saddening,” she told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster.

“Shocking, it is just not right, and we just want to make sure that Sarah is not forgotten.

“This needs to be known, what has happened to Sarah and that if we can stop this ever happening to anybody again.

“You never think it is going to come to your own doorstep, and it has.”

The crowds of people gathered at the resource centre in Donaghadee for a short walk to Sarah’s home at Elmfield Walk.

A minute silence was held outside the property.

About 50 people also gathered for a vigil in Guildhall Square in Londonderry on Wednesday evening to remember Sarah.