Police say Ballymena family deaths being treated as suspected double murder followed by sudden death

Police investigating the deaths of three members of the same family in Ballymena say a strong hypothesis is that the incident was a double murder followed by a sudden death (suicide).

The update was issued on Tuesday after the bodies of a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl were discovered at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area on Monday morning.

Police have stressed that they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths and have reassured the public that there is no ongoing risk to the community.

Police reveal leading line of inquiry

Mid and East Antrim District Commander Superintendent William Calderwood said officers were called to the property at around 8.50am on Monday following a report of a sudden death.

Police and colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended the scene, where the three family members were found dead.

Superintendent Calderwood said post-mortem examinations are still to be completed and detectives are keeping an open mind while investigations continue.

However, 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 also extended his sympathies to the victims’ relatives, describing them as being left “in total shock”, and confirmed specialist officers are supporting the family while police liaise with the Polish Consulate.

Police have asked the public to avoid speculation while efforts continue to notify relatives living outside Northern Ireland.

Investigation continues

Detectives remain at the scene and Superintendent Calderwood said residents will continue to see an increased police presence while the investigation progresses.

He added that specially trained officers are supporting the first police officers who attended the incident because of the traumatic nature of what they encountered.

Police are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who may have been in the area or who has CCTV or dash-cam footage that could assist the investigation.

Superintendent Calderwood said:

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

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 482 of 13 July 2026.

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Mayor expresses condolences

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said the deaths had deeply affected the local community.

He said:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic deaths in Ballymena yesterday. This heartbreaking incident has shocked the local community and left many people struggling to come to terms with the devastating news.”

The Mayor extended his condolences to the victims’ family and friends, urged anyone with information to assist police, and thanked the emergency services and everyone involved in responding to the incident.

Police say their investigation is continuing and further updates will be provided as enquiries progress.