Newry: Elderly couple's deaths not being treated as suspicious

The couple's bodies were discovered on Thursday after local residents shared concerns about their welfare

An elderly couple who were found dead at a house outside Newry, County Down, three days ago are believed to have died some time ago, police have said.

They have been named locally as husband and wife Jim and Mary McLaughlin.

Their remains were discovered at their home on Greenan Road, between Burren village and Newry city, on Thursday.

Post-mortem examinations have taken place and police said that the deaths are not currently being treated as suspicious, but inquiries are ongoing.

It is understood the couple had not been seen in the area for some time.

A police cordon was erected outside the house after the discovery

Police cordoned off the house while forensics investigators examined the scene on Friday.

Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor Declan McAteer told BBC News NI on Friday that he believed the couple had no close relatives living nearby.

He said the couple did not have much contact with the local community, but their neighbours were very shocked and saddened by the discovery of their bodies.