Patsy Aust: Murder investigation into the death of her “beloved” grandmother

Updated 1 hour ago

A murder investigation is underway following the death of an 81-year-old woman in Bangor.

Patricia “Patsy” Aust, a retired teacher, was found dead in a house in Hawthorne Court in the County Down town on Sunday.

An 85-year-old man remains in police custody on suspicion of murder. Police said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

The pastor of the church Ms Aust attended said the whole family was a valued part of a very close community.

Mark Johnston of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church said: “It was absolutely devastating. We are still struggling to comprehend it.”

Mr Johnson said Mrs Aust regularly took her young grandson to church functions.

She was also involved in the church’s youth work.

“Everyone is completely shocked and devastated because Patsy and her whole family are very loved and cared for,” the minister said.

He added that Ms Aust recently lost her son, who died in September 2023.

“Patsy has carried on and done everything she could to provide for her family, especially her grandson, during these very difficult times,” Johnston said.

In the hope of providing some comfort to Mrs Aust’s friends, neighbours and loved ones, the church will open its doors to the congregation from 7pm (BST).

“We are very aware that people, particularly in the area where Patsy’s family lives, have been really traumatised by this – that goes for all of us,” he said.

“We just can’t believe it, so if anyone wants to come by, we’re here to pray with them, to listen, to chat, to just be together.”

Police received a report of a woman’s death at around 5.30pm (BST) on 2 June.

When officers arrived, they found the body of a woman in the living room of the house.