News

Double death in Ballycastle is "unexplained"

McAuley Multimedia 5th June 2015... The scene at the Abby in Ballycastle where a couple would found dead in their home last night. The cause of death is not thought to be suspicious, but efforts are being made to establish the exact circumstances in which the couple died.While investigations are at a very early stage, it has been suggested that the couple may have been dead for some time before their bodies were found at their home.PSNI Inspector Pete Duncan said: ❝Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of death at present and are at a very early stage.❝PICTURE STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA.
McAuley Multimedia 5th June 2015... The scene at the Abby in Ballycastle where a couple would found dead in their home last night. The cause of death is not thought to be suspicious, but efforts are being made to establish the exact circumstances in whic McAuley Multimedia 5th June 2015... The scene at the Abby in Ballycastle where a couple would found dead in their home last night. The cause of death is not thought to be suspicious, but efforts are being made to establish the exact circumstances in which the couple died.While investigations are at a very early stage, it has been suggested that the couple may have been dead for some time before their bodies were found at their home.PSNI Inspector Pete Duncan said: ❝Enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause of death at present and are at a very early stage.❝PICTURE STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA.
By Connla Young

POLICE are treating the deaths of an elderly couple found dead in their home in Co Antrim as unexplained.

The bodies of Kenneth Boughey (68) and his wife Rita (79) were found at a house in Ballycastle after police smashed their way into the property after their son raised the alarm.

It is believed their bodies, which were discovered on Thursday in a property in the Abbey development, had lain undiscovered in the property for up to a month.

Originally from Liverpool, the couple had also lived in Spain but moved to the north coast around 10 years ago.

It had been reported that carbon monoxide poisoning is being considered as a potential cause.

The Irish News understands that carbon monoxide tests carried out by fire fighters who attended the scene failed to show any significant amounts in the house.

Chief Inspector Mark McClarence last night said carbon monoxide cannot be ruled in or out as a cause of death at present.

The causes of the deaths have not been established and detectives are investigating the circumstances at present, he said.

At this time, the deaths are being treated as unexplained.

In August 2010 two 18-year-old friends, Neil McFerran and Aaron Davidson, died of carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday in the nearby seaside town of Castlerock.

Sinn Fin councillor Cara McShane said Ballycastle residents were reeling from the grim discovery.

It reinforces for all of us the need to look out for people who are vulnerable or older people who need someone to look in on them, she said.

This is a tragedy that maybe could have been prevented.

We hear about these things but never think it will happen on our doorstep.

Independent councillor Padraig McShane said people in the area were stunned by the tragedy.

The town is shocked, its an awful tragedy and we await the outcome of the investigation, he said.

To the family of the couple we offer our sincere condolences.

North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey said news of the deaths was distressing.

This is a devastating tragedy which has shocked everyone in the Ballycastle area, he said.

We obviously do not know the full details yet, but the suggestion that the couple may have died some time before being discovered is particularly distressing.

My thoughts are with the couples family and friends at this time and I would hope that the full details of this tragedy can be established.