The Police Service of Northern Ireland has issued an update after the deaths of three people in Ballymena on Monday 13 July. Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, said: "At around 8.50am, police received a report of a sudden death at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area.

"Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, where they were met with a shocking scene.

"Tragically, the bodies of three people from the same family – a man aged 41, a woman aged 39 and a girl aged eight – were located in the home.

"First and foremost, I express my sympathies to family members and loved ones who are today left in total shock, and who will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.

"Specialist officers are supporting the families of the deceased and we are liaising with the Polish Consulate. We would ask that the public avoid speculation while we make those who live outside Northern Ireland aware of their deaths

"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." Superintendent Calderwood continued: "I would reiterate that there is no ongoing risk to the public.

"Please be assured, however, that you will see an increased police presence in the area as we have a significant number of detectives and local policing dedicated to working on this case night and day. We understand the public interest in this case and will continue to bring updates as our investigation continues.

"The community has been left in total shock and we are engaging with local representatives as our investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths proceeds at pace.

"I have spoken personally with each of the first responding officers. Early support has been provided and trauma focused care will continue.

"In the meantime, I would ask anyone with information, CCTV or ash-cam footage make contact with us.

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

"You can contact us on 101, quoting reference 482 13/07/26, or use our witness appeal form at
">reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals "

A report can also be made via the online reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.