Girl, 8, among three killed in suspected double murder in Co Antrim

Police car at the scene in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena, County Antrim, where three people were found dead inside a property on Monday morning. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

An eight-year-old girl was among three people who died in Co Antrim in an incident being investigated as a double murder and sudden death, police have said.

Ambulance workers were met with what has been described as a “shocking scene” on Monday morning when they found the three bodies at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena.

The PSNI Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, said the three were from the same family, and were a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl.

The adults are believed to have originally been from Poland.

On Tuesday morning, police tape remained outside the property on the Old Cullybackey Road.

Toys could be seen outside the house and a pair of pink and blue child’s sandals were drying on a washing line.

Flowers have been left at the house by neighbours who are said to be shocked at the tragedy.

PSNI Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, speaking to the media at Ballymena Police Station about the incident in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena, County Antrim, where three people were found dead inside a property on Monday morning. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Mr Calderwood said specialist officers are supporting the families of the dead and police are liaising with the Polish Consulate.

“We would ask that the public avoid speculation while we make those who live outside Northern Ireland aware of their deaths,” he said.

“We await the results of post-mortem examinations and are keeping an open mind as to what has occurred, however a strong hypothesis is that this was a double murder followed by a sudden death.

“As such, at this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.” 

He said there will be an increased police presence as a “significant number of detectives and local policing are dedicated to working on this case night and day”.

“We understand the public interest in this case and will continue to bring updates as our investigation continues,” he said.

Police cordon at the scene in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena, County Antrim, where three people were found dead inside a property on Monday morning. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

“The community has been left in total shock and we are engaging with local representatives as our investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths proceeds at pace.

“I have spoken personally with each of the first responding officers. Early support has been provided and trauma-focused care will continue.

“In the meantime, I would ask anyone with information, CCTV or dash-cam footage make contact with us.

“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, could prove crucial to our investigation.

“You can contact us on 101, quoting reference 482 13/07/26, or use our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals.” 

A woman lays flowers near the scene in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena, County Antrim, where three people were found dead inside a property on Monday morning. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

North Antrim MP and TUV leader Jim Allister said confirmation that an eight-year-old girl was among those who died “adds an extra dimension of horror to what has happened”.

“My heart goes out to the relatives in the Ballymena area and to those in Poland,” he said.

“I am also mindful of the school friends of the child and the distress they will suffer.

“The gruesome scene with which the first responders and forensic officers had to deal is a reminder of how hard their job can be. We are grateful for all they do.

“Even as the shock subsides over coming days there will be a lasting effect in the neighbourhood of this awful event.” 

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Thomas Gordon said the “heartbreaking” incident has “shocked the local community and left many people struggling to come to terms with the devastating news”.

A pair of sandals on a washing line at the scene in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena, County Antrim, where three people were found dead inside a property on Monday morning. Picture: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

He added: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives.

“My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy during what will be an unimaginably difficult time.

“As investigations continue, I would urge anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to contact the police. I would also like to thank the emergency services and all those involved in responding to this tragic incident.

“I will be keeping the family and all those impacted in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.”