See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy SAM LAWLEY, NEWS REPORTER Published: 19:45 BST, 14 July 2026 | Updated: 19:45 BST, 14 July 2026
An eight-year-old girl was among three people found dead in an alleged double murder in Ballymena.Ambulance workers were met with a 'shocking scene' on Monday morning when they found the three bodies at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area of the town in County Antrim.The victims - who also included a 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman - were all from the same family with the adults believed to be originally from Poland, officers said.Police tape remained outside the property on the Old Cullybackey Road on Tuesday morning.Toys could be seen outside the house and a pair of pink and blue child's sandals were drying on a washing line.Flowers have been left at the property by neighbours who are said to be shocked by the tragedy.PSNI Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, said specialist officers are supporting the victims' families and police 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,' he added. An eight-year-old girl was among three people found dead in an alleged double murder in Ballymena (Pictured: police tape at the scene on Tuesday) A woman lays flowers at the scene of the tragedy in the County Antrim town on Tuesday A pair of pink and blue child's sandals were drying on a washing line as police conducted their investigation'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.'A senior officer earlier said there was no 'ongoing risk' to the public and police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths. He said there will be an increased police presence as a 'significant number of detectives and local policing are 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,' he said.'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.'Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Thomas Gordon said the 'heartbreaking' incident has 'shocked the local community and left many people struggling to come to terms with the devastating news'.He added: 'I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives.'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy during what will be an unimaginably difficult time.'As investigations continue, I would urge anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to contact the police. I would also like to thank the emergency services and all those involved in responding to this tragic incident.'I will be keeping the family and all those impacted in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead.'Officers were in the area from about 11am on Monday, with diversions put in place at the junctions of Innisowen Park and Cullybackey Road while investigations were carried out.North Antrim MP Jim Allister described the deaths as a 'tragedy causing great shock in the community', saying relatives and friends of the family had 'suffered huge loss'.He told the Belfast Telegraph: 'The police have confirmed to me there is no extant risk in the community and no further persons are being sought. More details will follow.' Toys could be seen outside the house on Tuesday. The victims - who also included a 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman - were all from the same family PSNI Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, pictured, said specialist officers are supporting the victims' families Police on scene in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena, County Antrim, on MondaySinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan added: 'My immediate thoughts are with their wider family and friends. Their grief will be immeasurable right now.'Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland added: 'While details continue to emerge about this incident, it is clear there has been a tragedy.'The community in Ballymena is in shock already and my thoughts are with everyone affected by what will be an incredibly distressing time, particularly the family and friends of the deceased.'I have spoken to police, will need time to investigate this matter and I urge anyone with information on it to give it to them immediately.'
