Policeman who murdered family found dead in cell

A policeman who murdered his wife and two children more than a decade ago has been found dead in prison, it emerged today.

John Torney, shot his wife Linda, 33, and their children John, 13, and 10-year-old Emma at the family home in Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

The former RUC officer was jailed for life for the September 1994 killings.

Torney was discovered dead in his cell at Maghaberry Prison, Co Antrim shortly before 9am on Saturday.

It is understood the 50-year-old triple killer died from natural causes.

A prison service spokeswoman said: “There is an investigation ongoing involving the police and the Coroner but, at this stage, there is nothing to suggest there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”