DCI Una Jennings has appealed for information about Mrs Evans’ death

DETECTIVES from the PSNI’s Major Inquiry Team have appealed for information over the killing of a retired hairdresser.

Margaret ‘Margo’ Evans was found dead in the back garden of her Knockancor Drive home in Portstewart on Wednesday afternoon.

Her 32-year-old son Alun remains in police custody being questioned about her unlawful killing.

Its believed married Mrs Evans had suffered head injuries and was pronounced death at the scene.

A number of items were removed from the garden for forensic examination.

Local Alliance councillor Barney Fitzpatrick said the community was “shocked and numbed” at her death.

Today, the officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Una Jennings, confirmed the name of the deceased as Margaret Evans.

She said ‘Margo’ was 69 years old.

Mrs Jennings had retired earlier this year and had sold on her hairdressing business.

At a press conference in Coleraine PSNI station, DCI Jennings said: “The investigation is still at a very early stage and a post mortem is due to take place to determine the cause of death.

“Mrs Evans’s husband has suffered a terrible loss but is being supported by his family circle as well as a PSNI Family Liaison Officer.

“I would like to appeal to anyone in the community who saw, spoke to or met with any member of the Evans family in recent days, or anyone with any information, to contact Coleraine Police Station or the Major Inquiry Team at Maydown on the non-emergency number 101.

“Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”