POLICE investigating the deaths of a couple in Co Antrim have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning.
The bodies of Kenneth Boughey (68), and his wife Rita (79) were found dead at their home in Ballycastle last week.
The couple, originally from Liverpool, had been dead for some time.
Chief Inspector Mark McClarence said their deaths remain unexplained.
He said: "Postmortem examinations were carried out on Friday and we are awaiting the results of further toxicology tests.
"However, the postmortem ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning as a cause of death.
"At this time, the deaths continue to be treated as unexplained."
Emergency services were called to the house in the Abbey area just after 8.30pm on Thursday.
It is understood Mrs Boughey's son made the grim discovery when he called at the house after becoming concerned.
The couple are believed to have been found in separate rooms.
There were no obvious signs of forced entry.
The Bougheys lived in Spain before moving to the north coast town about 10 years ago.
Local representatives said they were not well-known.
The Abbey is a new housing development comprising town houses and apartments on the site of a former convent close to Ballycastle town centre.
A number of the properties are holiday homes, while others are occupied by young families.
Independent councillor Padraig McShane said residents had been shocked by the couple's deaths.
Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the house just after 8.30pm.
It is understood Mrs Boughey's son discovered their bodies, believed to have been in separate rooms, when he visited after growing concerned.
The Abbey is a new housing development comprising town houses and apartments on the site of a former convent close to Ballycastle town centre.
A number of the properties are holiday homes, while others are occupied by young families.
Councillors in the area said the town had been left stunned by the deaths.
The Bougheys lived in Spain before moving to Ballycastle about 10 years ago.
