A murder investigation has begun after three people were found dead at a house in Ballymena, Co Antrim.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the three people were related and found inside the family home on the Old Cullybackey Road area of the town on Monday morning.
On Monday evening, police confirmed that detectives from the Major Investigation Team had begun a murder investigation.
Mid and East Antrim District Commander Supt William Calderwood said the cause of death had not yet been formally established and postmortem examinations were due to take place.
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“As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, and I would ask that the public avoid speculation,” he said.
“However, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe that there is any ongoing risk, and at this stage we are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths.
“Our thoughts this evening are very much with the family and friends of those who have died.”
One resident, who did not want to be named, described her shock after learning it was a murder investigation, saying it was a “quiet, settled area”.
“We saw the road was shut on Facebook at 9.30am this morning but we assumed it was an accident because there’s always accidents at the junction up there. You hear sirens all the time,” she said.
Two roads were sealed off by police between 10.30am and 11am on Monday.
“When we saw the tape go up, we knew something was wrong,” the resident added.
Police carried out door-to-door interviews asking people if they knew the deceased family and when they last saw them.
Detectives also requested Ring doorbell and CCTV footage from residents from Sunday and Monday.
“I’ve been living here a few years but most residents living along this road have been for decades. I didn’t know this family,” the resident said.
“It’s a quiet, residential area where there’re no trouble.”
Forensic officers examined the scene throughout the day on Monday.
The Old Cullybackey Road, on outskirts of the town, reopened at around 8.15pm on Monday, followed later by the Cullybackey Road.
A police cordon remained in place around the house.
A young couple leaving a garage next to the road said it was “devastating” news.
“We live two minutes away from this house and have been out all day at the Twelfth with our little girl,” said the man in his 30s. “To think that this could happen on your doorstep is horrific. It’s such a lovely, peaceful area with no trouble. The poor family.”
North Antrim MP and TUV leader Jim Allister said in a statement that the triple deaths are “a tragedy”.
“Though details remain scant, clearly there are family and friends who have suffered huge loss,” he said.
Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: “My immediate thoughts are with their wider family and friends. Their grief will be immeasurable right now.
“Anyone with information should bring it forward to the PSNI immediately and assist with its investigation.”
Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland added: “The community in Ballymena is in shock already and my thoughts are with everyone affected by what will be an incredibly distressing time, particularly the family and friends of the deceased.” – Additional reporting: PA
