Police believe the deaths of three family members at a home in Ballymena were a double murder followed by a sudden death, a senior officer said on Tuesday. The victims were a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl.

Mid and East Antrim District Commander Superintendent William Calderwood said officers attended the Old Cullybackey Road property around 8.50am on Monday after a report of a sudden death. The bodies were discovered inside the family home. Post-mortem examinations have yet to be completed, but the police working hypothesis is that the incident was a double murder and suicide.

Police are not seeking anyone else and have said there is no ongoing risk to the public. The PSNI is liaising with the Polish Consulate as the adults were originally from Poland, and specialist officers are supporting bereaved relatives. Detectives are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV or dash-cam footage to contact them on 101, quoting reference 482 of 13 July 2026.

Political leaders expressed shock at the tragedy. North Antrim MP Jim Allister said the death of a child added an extra dimension of horror. First Minister Michelle O'Neill described it as a horrific tragedy, and Justice Minister Naomi Long urged respect for the grieving family. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Thomas Gordon extended condolences and thanked emergency responders.

Superintendent Calderwood said an increased police presence will remain in the area while detectives continue their investigation. He said the community had been left in total shock and that first responding officers were receiving trauma-focused support.