Murder investigation launched after death of Patrick ‘Paddy’ Douglas in Ballymoney fire

Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in a house fire in Ballymoney on Tuesday 1 July.

The victim has been named as Patrick ‘Paddy’ Douglas, aged 55, who died after a blaze at a mid-terrace flat on Main Street in the Co Antrim town.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly before 7:00am, with Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) working to extinguish the flames.

Patrick Douglas was rescued from the property and taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), where he sadly later died from his injuries.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said:

“Police received a report of a fire shortly before 7am on Tuesday morning and attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who worked to extinguish the blaze.

“Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service conveyed Mr Douglas to hospital where he sadly died from his injuries. My thoughts are with family members and loved ones who are left trying to come to terms with their loss.”

The detective confirmed that, following police enquiries, a 34-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

DI McGarvey appealed to the public for information:

“I would appeal to anyone with information to contact police. I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the Main Street area of Ballymoney on the morning of Tuesday 1 July just before 7am, and who witnessed anything untoward. Please contact us on 101, quoting reference number 196 01/07/25.”

Reports can also be submitted online via the PSNI reporting form.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

The investigation remains ongoing.