Dromore Police Review Fourth Woman's Death

Police investigating the suspicious deaths of three women in Dromore, Co Down, are to examine the death of a fourth woman in the town.

Detectives from the PSNI’s serious crime branch are looking into the death of Margaret Stronge, 58, who was found dead at Moss Lane in Dromore in July 1982.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness said: “My officers have advised the Stronge family of this development. I believe it is an appropriate and necessary step, given our current understanding of events in the town.

“We will progress the review as quickly as possible. I would like to repeat my appeal to the community in Dromore for information about all these deaths.

“My officers are keen to speak with anyone who may have any information which could assist our inquiries.”

Leslie Ross, 66, has been charged with murdering two of his girlfriends in the market town with a population of 5,000.

He appeared in court last week accused of murdering 47-year-old Michelle Bickerstaff in April last year and 50-year-old Margaret Weiss in August 2007.

A file on the third death, that of 52-year-old Lily McKee, who died in December 2002, has been referred to the Public Prosecution Service.

Mr Ross has also been charged with indecently assaulting a woman between January 1979 and June 1990, committing an act of gross indecency with a child and indecently assaulting a female child between July 1979 and June 1990.

A lawyer for Mr Ross said he had “categorically and vehemently” denied the charges during three days of questioning.

Mr Ross is due to appear at Banbridge Magistrates’ Court on September 19.

Dromore Police Review Fourth Woman's Death