Police have been given an extra 36 hours to question a 66-year-old stonemason in Dromore, County Down in Northern Ireland, about the deaths of three women over an 11-year period.

The man, Leslie Ross, is also being questioned about offences relating to other women.

Mr Ross, who is said to live alone, has been in police custody since Tuesday (20 August). The police say their investigations have not involved any exhumations but Mr Ross’s house has been searched. Since his arrest, the house has been daubed with graffiti and an attempt has been made to remove it.

The three women who died were: Michelle Bickerstaff, 47, in April last year; Margaret Weise, 50, in August 2007; Elizabeth 'Lilly' McKee, 52, in December 2002.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Harkness of the Bromore police says: "We are keen to speak with anyone who may have any information which could assist us and I would urge members of the community in Dromore to contact us.

“People may have been reluctant to come forward in the past but I can assure you that any information given to the Police will be treated in the utmost confidence.

“Your information could provide us with the vital link to enable us to bring this investigation to a successful conclusion."

If you have any information, detectives would ask you to contact them on 028 383 15339 between 9am and 10pm Monday-Friday, or call and leave a message outside of those hours.