Northern Ireland

Funerals for best friends found dead in Coleraine flat

A funeral service for Nigel McGraw, whose body was found at his home in Coleraine on Monday, will take place in Articlave
A funeral service for Nigel McGraw, whose body was found at his home in Coleraine on Monday, will take place in Articlave A funeral service for Nigel McGraw, whose body was found at his home in Coleraine on Monday, will take place in Articlave

The funerals of two friends whose bodies were found in a flat in Coleraine will take place today.

The body of 53-year-old Nigel McGraw was found alongside his friend at Russell McAfee's home in the Elm's Park area of the town on Monday afternoon.

The discovery was made at around 2.30pm.

Police were called to the scene however later said the deaths were "not being treated as suspicious at this time".

There had been speculation that the men may have died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning however authorities have made no further comment.

The PSNI yesterday confirmed that post mortem examinations had been carried adding that "police will now await the results of further toxicology reports".

Mourners are expected to gather in Coleraine and Articlave for the funerals of the two men, who had reportedly been due to travel to Scotland this weekend for a football match.

A funeral service for 60-year-old Mr McAfee, who was a great-grandfather, will take place today at his step-daughter’s home in the Willow Drive area of Coleraine at 11am.

Separately a funeral service for Mr McGraw, who was described as a "much loved uncle and great-uncle" will take place at his sister’s home in the Fairview Park area of Articlave at 2pm.