Theresa Gray (48) was found dead in her flat in Twinbrook last Tuesday. The decision by police to downgrade the investigation from a murder probe to a suspicious death has prompted confusion. Mrs Gray, a widow, was discovered lying face down on a bed at the flat at Magnolia Park, Twinbrook last Tuesday.

She is understood to have suffered internal injuries including a punctured intestine and bowel. It is not known whether she was attacked or fell.

A 44-year-old man, believed to be Mrs Gray's partner, was arrested, and on Wednesday police announced they were launching a murder inquiry. But on Thursday he was released without charge. It has emerged that police are treating the death as "suspicious".

A PSNI spokesman said: "At this stage we are treating the death as suspicious.

"Further forensic tests are going to take place to try to determine the cause of death."

Mrs Gray leaves behind a six-year-old daughter, Kelly and four sons, Martin, Mark, Michael and Paul who live in the Juniper Park area of Twinbrook. She also had a grandson, Conor.

Sinn Fein's Angela Nelson said the family were traumatised by their ordeal.

She said: "They are distraught, traumatised and deeply annoyed by the handling of the investigation. There were problems with the first post-mortem which means it was necessary for a second one. All they are interested in is getting Theresa home."

She added: "They don't know was she murdered or did she fall and hurt herself?"

Mrs Gray's brother Paddy said the family felt "disgusted" and " let down" by the authorities.

"This had prolonged our grief and we will now have to wait longer to get our sister's body back," he told the Irish News.

It is understood that the family are seeking legal advice.