Newtownabbey: Murder investigation launched after three found dead

Forensic officers are at a flat in Derrycoole Way where one woman was killed

A double murder investigation has been launched after three people died at two homes in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, on Friday.

Police believe a man stabbed his mother and girlfriend at separate properties before killing himself.

A woman was found at a flat in Derrycoole Way just after 22:55 GMT following a report of a stabbing.

Another woman and a man were then found a short time later at a house on Glenville Road.

"An unconscious male was located in the property. Despite the provision of first aid, the male was pronounced dead," said Det Ch Insp John Caldwell.

Police were at the scene of both properties in Newtownabbey on Saturday morning

"On searching the property, another deceased female was located.

"While we have launched a murder investigation, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with these incidents which we believe are connected."

'Numbed and shocked'

SDLP Deputy Mayor for Antrim and Newtownabbey Noreen McClelland, who is also an ambassador for Women's Aid, said she was "numbed and shocked" by what had happened.

She said the community would rally around the families affected.

"Families are going to be absolutely distraught," she said.

"I know that neighbours, friends, the whole community is just going to be horrified that this has happened on their doorsteps.

Sinn Féin MP for North Belfast, John Finucane, said the local community was stunned.

"These brutal killings highlight once again the need to oppose all violence against women and the need for a Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy in the north," he said.

North Belfast DUP assembly member Paula Bradley said it was "extremely sad news" to hear of the deaths.

"It just brings that reality home again to us in Northern Ireland that violence against women and girls cannot be tolerated," she added.