DETECTIVES investigating the deaths of an elderly man and woman at a property in Co Down are not treating the circumstances of their deaths as suspicious.
The couple, named locally as Jim and Mary McLaughlin, were found at their home at Greenan Road, between Warrenpoint and Newry, on Thursday.
Police said they believe the deaths may have occurred some time ago.
According to some reports, the couple had not been seen for up to six months before their bodies were discovered in their roadside bungalow, close to the village of Burren.
Police said they are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said: “A post mortem has taken place and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time, however enquiries are ongoing.”
It’s understood the couple were aged in their 80s and had been living in the area for more than four decades.
According to the Sunday Life, the alarm was raised by a postman delivering letters to the house, who grew concerned over the state of the property.
Locals said the couple had led a quiet and private life, and were only seen in the local towns every few weeks.
It’s understood they did not have children or family living in the area.
Photos taken from the scene show the bungalow disappearing behind overgrown trees and shrubbery on the Greenan Road.
South Down Sinn Féin MLA Sinéad Ennis described the news as “heartbreaking”.
“The local community are deeply shocked and saddened. My thoughts are with all those affected by this tragic loss.”
