Cause of death of Co Antrim couple still not established

Police investigating the deaths of a couple in Northern Ireland have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.

The bodies of Kenneth Boughey (68), and his 79-year-old wife Rita were found dead at their home in Co Antrim last week.

The couple, who were originally from Liverpool, had been dead for some time.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Chief Inspector Mark McClarence said their deaths remain unexplained.

“Postmortem examinations were carried out on Friday and we are awaiting the results of further toxicology test,” he said.

“However, the postmortem ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death. At this time, the deaths continue to be treated as unexplained.”

Emergency services were called to the house in the Abbey area of Ballycastle just after 8.30pm last Thursday.

It is understood Mrs Boughey’s son made the grim discovery when he called at the house after becoming concerned. The couple are believed to have been found in separate rooms.

There were no obvious signs of forced entry.

The Bougheys lived in Spain before moving to the north coast town about 10 years ago. Local representatives said they were not well-known.

The Abbey is a new housing development comprising town houses and apartments on the site of a former convent close to Ballycastle town centre.

PA