Jon Burrows lays flowers at Ballymena home as he says community must ‘never become numb’ to domestic abuse

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows, with party colleague, Bannside councillor Jackson Minford during a visit to the scene of a murder-suicide in Ballymena

The leader of the Ulster Unionist Party has visited the scene of last week’s family tragedy in Ballymena, where he laid flowers and urged society never to become desensitised to domestic abuse.

North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows visited the home on the Old Cullybackey Road on Saturday, where a 39-year-old woman and her eight-year-old daughter were killed. Police are treating their deaths as murder, while an investigation continues into the death of a 41-year-old man.

Heartbreaking reminders remain

The back garden of the family home where the little eight-year-old girl’s sandals still hang on the clothes line and her scooter stands against the wall

Joined by local Ulster Unionist Party colleagues, Mr Burrows paid his respects outside the property and described the deeply emotional impact of seeing everyday reminders of the young girl’s life still in place.

He said:

“Today, I was joined by local Ulster Unionist Party colleagues to lay flowers outside the home on the Old Cullybackey Road where two innocent people were murdered earlier this week.

“The little sandals belonging to the eight-year-old girl who was murdered still hang on the washing line. Her scooter still sits in the backyard.

“These small, everyday reminders of a young life so cruelly taken are utterly heartbreaking. Words cannot adequately describe the sadness of this tragedy.”

Call to tackle domestic abuse

Flowers and other momentos left near the family home as a community comes to terms with such a mindless loss of life

Reflecting on the wider significance of the killings, Mr Burrows said the tragedy should strengthen efforts to prevent domestic abuse and support those affected.

He said:

“As we stood together at the scene, we reflected on the devastating scourge of domestic violence and abuse in our society.

“We must never become numb to it. As a society, we have to keep working to prevent domestic abuse, support those experiencing it and ensure people know where they can turn for help.

“Today, above all, our thoughts remain with the family, friends and all those whose lives have been devastated by this appalling tragedy.”

Investigation continues

Police have said there is no ongoing risk to the public and are not seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation.

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and have renewed their appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or concerned about someone they know, can seek confidential support through organisations including Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland, the Men’s Advisory Project, Victim Support NI and the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline. Anyone in immediate danger should call 999.

The investigation into the deaths remains ongoing, while the tragedy continues to prompt reflection across the Ballymena community on the devastating impact domestic abuse can have on families and those left behind.