LAST UPDATE | 13 Jul

THE PSNI HAS launched a murder investigation after three people were found dead inside a house in Co Antrim.

The three deceased were found at the property this morning in the Old Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena.

The PSNI has confirmed that the three people were related and found inside the family home.

In an update on Monday evening, Mid and East Antrim District commander superintendent William Calderwood outlined that the “bodies of a male and two females were discovered at a home” on the Old Cullybackey Road at around 9am Monday morning.

“The cause of death has not yet been formally established and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course. As such, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time, and I would ask that the public avoid speculation,” Calderwood said.

“However, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe that there is any ongoing risk, and at this stage we are not seeking anyone else in relation to the deaths.

“Our thoughts this evening are very much with the family and friends of those who have died.”

North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland of the Alliance Party said the local community is in shock.

“While details continue to emerge about this incident, it is clear there has been a tragedy,” said Mulholland.

She said her “thoughts are with everyone affected by what will be an incredibly distressing time, particularly the family and friends of the deceased”.

Mulholland urged anyone with information to contact the PSNI immediately.

Sinn Féin’s Philip McGuigan, also an MLA for North Antrim, said he was “shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of three members of one family”.

“My immediate thoughts are with their wider family and friends,” said McGuigan. “Their grief will be immeasurable right now.”

He also urged anyone with information to bring it forward to the PSNI immediately.