Vigil to be held after family found dead in house in Ballymena

Vigil to be held in Ballymena following tragic family incident

Community gathers to mourn victims of suspected double murder and suicide

Vigil to be held after family - Residents in Ballymena will come together for a memorial service on Wednesday evening, honoring three individuals discovered dead at a residence on the Cullybackey Road. The incident, which unfolded on Monday morning at 09:00 BST, has prompted police to investigate as a possible case of double murder and suicide.

The deceased include a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and an eight-year-old girl. While the family hailed from Poland, the child was born in Northern Ireland. Emergency services described the scene as "shocking," according to PSNI Supt William Calderwood, who noted the cause of death remains undetermined.

"This tragedy is unlike anything I’ve witnessed in my 18 years as Poland’s honorary consul in Northern Ireland," remarked Jerome Mullen, reflecting on the emotional impact of the event.

The vigil will take place at the Braid Arts Centre at 18:30 BST. A prayer service was held at All Saints Catholic Church earlier that day, offering solace to those affected. Calderwood emphasized that while a "strong hypothesis" points to the double murder and subsequent death, no other suspects are currently being pursued.

MP Jim Allister, representing the area for the Traditional Unionist Voice, described the loss as "an added layer of sorrow," highlighting the heartbreak of a young child’s passing. "The grief will resonate deeply with families in Ballymena and in Poland," he added, expressing concern for the child’s peers.

Justice Minister Naomi Long extended her condolences to the families impacted by the incident, underscoring the significance of the event in the community.