Political leaders express shock and urge respect as Ballymena deaths investigation continues

The scene of the tragic incident in Ballymena on Monday. (Image: Steven McAuley, McAuley Multimedia)

Political leaders have expressed their shock and sympathy following confirmation that the deaths of three members of the same family in Ballymena are being treated by police as a suspected double murder followed by a sudden death.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that the victims were a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl who were found dead at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area on Monday morning.

Jim Allister highlights impact on family and community

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said confirmation that an eight-year-old child had died had added “an extra dimension of horror” to the tragedy.

He said:

“Confirmation that an 8-year-old girl is one of the victims in the Ballymena double murder and suicide adds an extra dimension of horror to what has happened.”

Mr Allister said his thoughts were with the victims’ relatives both in Ballymena and in Poland, and also reflected on the impact the tragedy would have on the child’s classmates.

“My heart goes out to the relatives in the Ballymena area and to those in Poland. I am also mindful of the school friends of the child and the distress they will suffer.”

He also paid tribute to the emergency services, saying the scene encountered by first responders and forensic officers was a reminder of the difficult work they undertake.

“We are grateful for all they do.”

Mr Allister added that the effects of the tragedy would continue to be felt within the local neighbourhood long after the initial shock had passed.

Burrows responds to PSNI update on Ballymena tragedy

North Antrim MLA and Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows has expressed his shock following the PSNI’s latest update on the deaths of three members of the same family in Ballymena.

Reacting after police said their current working hypothesis is that the incident was a double murder followed by a sudden death, Mr Burrows said the development was “utterly devastating”.

“The latest update from the PSNI, indicating that this appears to have been a double murder followed by suicide, is utterly devastating.”

He continued:

“Like so many people across Northern Ireland, I am deeply shocked by this tragedy. Two innocent people have lost their lives and the fact that one of the victims was an eight-year-old girl is particularly heartbreaking. It is impossible to comprehend the pain this family has endured and my thoughts and prayers are with their loved ones in both Northern Ireland and Poland.”

Mr Burrows said it was important to allow the police investigation to continue without speculation, but added that the case highlighted the devastating consequences that domestic abuse and violence can have.

“While we must allow the police investigation to run its course and avoid speculation about the precise circumstances, this case is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that domestic abuse and violence can have. It also underlines the importance of ensuring that anyone experiencing abuse knows that help and support are available.”

He also paid tribute to the emergency services who responded to the incident.

“I also want to pay tribute to the PSNI, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and all the emergency responders who attended such a harrowing scene. They perform extraordinary work in the most difficult of circumstances, and we owe them our sincere gratitude.”

Mr Burrows added:

“Today, our thoughts are with the victims, their family and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”

Justice Minister urges compassion and restraint

Justice Minister Naomi Long also expressed her sympathy to those affected.

“I want to express my shock on learning of the terrible tragedy that has occurred in Ballymena,” she said.

“I send my heartfelt sympathy to the family members affected and to the wider community in the Ballymena area.”

The Minister acknowledged the distress the incident has caused across the community and encouraged anyone struggling in its aftermath to seek support through Health and Social Care services or voluntary and community organisations.

She also thanked police officers and other emergency responders who attended the scene.

Ms Long urged people to respect the privacy of those grieving and to avoid speculation while the PSNI investigation continues.

Police have said post-mortem examinations are awaited and that detectives are keeping an open mind, although their current working hypothesis is that the deaths were a double murder followed by a sudden death. Officers have also stressed there is no ongoing risk to the public and are continuing to appeal for information that may assist the investigation.