Eileen Corrigan's body was found in a house off Railway Street in Boyd Row two days ago and forensic experts spent most of yesterday examining the scene.

Investigating officer DCI Debbie McMaster revealed late yesterday that officers had opened a murder inquiry and confirmed the victim was 62-year-old Mrs Corrigan.

"Our investigation is at a very early stage and a post-mortem examination is to be carried out to determine the victim's cause of death," said Ms McMaster.

"We are appealing for anyone who saw Eileen between Thursday, October 4, and 1.30pm on Monday, October 6, to contact the police.

"Eileen was well-known in the area and we would like anyone who saw her over the last few days to contact detectives," she added.

A female neighbour said Mrs Corrigan had joined her for an occasional cup of tea.

"She was very affable and pleasant and would do no harm to anyone," she said.

"Eileen was living here before I moved in 20 years ago. It is terrifying to think there may be a murderer in the area."

The neighbour said the the cul-de-sac where Mrs Corrigan lived was quiet, although there were reports that youths congregated there to drink alcohol.

The area around the house was sealed off behind a PSNI cordon yesterday.

Patrol cars kept curious bypassers back from the scene while another three cars brought forensic experts in.

Officers in white jump suits came and went throughout the day, at one point taking photographs of the street outside the house where Mrs Corrigan was found.

Councillor Meela Bratton, a member of the District Policing Partnership, said Mrs Corrigan had been found by a neighbour who called an ambulance.

The ambulance service then called the police, who felt that the scene was suspicious and called in the pathologist, said Ms Bratton.

"She had not been seen for some days," said Ms Bratton, who was "absolutely shocked and horrified" to hear police had opened a murder investigation.

"Local residents are anxious that the police investigation uncovers what actually happened here and apprehend whoever is responsible," she said.

"There is a real sense of fear and disbelief in the area that something like this could have happened."

Her thoughts and prayers were with Mrs Corrigan's family, she added.

Mayor Noel Sheridan said he has known Mrs Corrigan and her family "a lifetime" and that they are highly respected in the area.

"My prayers are with her family and I would call on anyone with any information to come forward to the police."