The Police Service of Northern Ireland has launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman at a flat in Derry city in the early hours of this morning.
A fire was reported at the ground floor flat on Harvey Street at 4.15am.
Crews from the Northern Ireland Fire Service, the ambulance service and the PSNI responded.
The woman, who was located in the bedroom of the flat, was pronounced dead at the scene.
At a press conference, Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Kelly from the PSNI Major Investigation Team said at this early stage of their investigation, they "are unable to identify the victim who we believe may be aged between her 40s to mid-60s".
"We can tell you that the victim suffered a horrific attack and sustained multiple injuries. We know this brutal murder has caused great concern.
"We can assure you we are working at full pace to establish what happened and catch those responsible for this heinous and evil crime," Det Kelly added.
He also said there will be "an increase in police presence in the coming hours and days".
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The closed cordon on Harvey's Street remains in place as the investigation continues.
A post-mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.
The PSNI made several specific appeals as part of their investigation, urging "anyone with information to contact them or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous".
They are particularly keen to view any dash-cam or doorbell camera footage covering the area between 2am and 5am.
"I am appealing directly to the local community to tell us anything you know. We need to find out who did this. Our enquiries are ongoing in relation to a motive and we need the public's help. Any information no matter how small it may seem may be very helpful," Det Kelly added.
Det Kelly from the PSNI Major Investigation Team said he believes "a weapon was used" in the attack.
"I cannot speculate [at this early stage] as to the motive of who was involved; however, I would appeal to the community to come forward with any information at all because this was a brutal and savage attack on this woman, and we owe it to her to identify the perpetrator and bring them to justice," he said.
I want to reassure the public that there will be an increased police presence in the city in the coming hours and days. We're hoping with the public’s help that we can identify the victim as soon as possible," Det Kelly added.
Det Kelly said there are three flats in the building in which the woman was murdered. The victim was found in the bedroom of the flat on the ground floor. It is understood that the other people in the building are safe and well.