Police in Northern Ireland have launched an investigation after an eight-year-old girl, a man aged 41, and a woman aged 39 were found dead inside a property in Ballymena, County Antrim, in what is suspected to be a double murder-suicide.
Emergency Services Called to Scene
Officers were called to a report of a sudden death at a house on the Old Cullybackey Road at around 8:50 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Emergency services, including colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, attended the scene, which police described as 'shocking'.
Superintendent William Calderwood of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said: 'Tragically, the bodies of three people from the same family were located in the home.' He added that specialist officers are supporting the families and that police are liaising with the Polish consulate.
Double Murder-Suicide Hypothesis
While post-mortem examinations are awaited, Superintendent Calderwood stated: '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 anybody else in connection with the deaths.' He emphasised that there is no ongoing risk to the public.
Police are asking anyone with information, CCTV, or dash cam footage to come forward. Superintendent Calderwood said: 'Any information, no matter how small or how insignificant it may seem, could prove vital and crucial to our investigation.'
Community Impact and Police Appeal
The community has been left in shock, and an increased police presence will remain in the area as detectives work day and night on the case. Superintendent Calderwood expressed his 'deepest sympathies to family members, friends and loved ones who are today left in total shock.'
Members of the public can contact police on 101, quoting reference 482 13/07/26, or use the online reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
