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Two women and a man were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide Friday night.
The man is reported to have stabbed his mother and girlfriend to death during two incidents at homes in the Newtownabbey area of Co Antrim.
He was also found dead at one of the properties.
The man has been named locally as Ken Flanagan, his mother as Karen McClean and his girlfriend Stacey Knell.
In announcing the double murder investigation, police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents.
Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell added: “Just after 10.55pm on Friday night, police received a report of a stabbing at a residential property in the Derrycoole Way area.
Officers attended, along with colleagues from NIAS. Sadly, a woman has been declared dead.
“While officers conducted further investigations, they tended to a residential property in the Glenville Road area. An unconscious man was located on the property.
Despite the provision of first aid, the man was pronounced dead.
“When registering the property, another deceased woman was located.
“We urge anyone with any information that may assist our investigation to contact 101 and cite reference number 2441 of 03/19/21.”
The UUP councilor for Macedonia, Robert Foster, said last night: “The entire community of Rathcoole and Whiteabbey is completely shocked by these tragic murders.
“It is a very close-knit community, the nature of the attack has left everyone in shock.”
Speaking to Belfast Live, SDLP Deputy Mayor for Antrim and Newtownabbey, Noreen McClelland, said she was “almost speechless”.
She added: “My thoughts and prayers this morning go out to the friends and family of the two women who were brutally murdered.
“This is a very close-knit community and I know that they will offer every support to those facing the pain of losing a loved one in such dire circumstances.
“Once again, it appears that two women have lost their lives in a violent attack.
“How many more women have to die before our Executive takes action to address gender-based violence?
“I was in the area on Saturday morning and the community is absolutely in shock.
“People just want to come together and support the families.
“It is simply tragic: two women have lost their lives.
“I am almost speechless. It is very sad. It is distressing for everyone. “
Jim Montgomery, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, expressed his condolences to the families who have been mired in grief.
The UUP councilor said: “A very sad incident that has shocked so many.
“My thoughts are with the families involved who are suffering such loss and with those who have to put the pieces back together after this tragedy.”
Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said the community was in shock.
The North Belfast MP added: “My first thoughts are with the family and friends of the women who were brutally murdered on Friday night.
“It is important to keep in mind that grieving families are at the heart of this tragedy.
“The local community is absolutely shocked and stunned by these murders.
“These brutal killings highlight once again the need to oppose all violence against women and the need for a strategy of violence against women and girls here.”
North Belfast MLA Paula Bradley said: “This is an absolutely horrible tragedy that has shocked everyone in the local area.
“Two women have had their lives stolen and my thoughts are with their friends and family at this terrible time.
“While these extreme incidents are fortunately rare in Northern Ireland, it is a stark reminder that we are not immune from such violence.
“Domestic violence and the threat of violence against women and girls are hot topics right now and this makes us see both their reality and the need to do everything possible to address them.”
Alliance MLA John Blair said: “This is a sad and shocking set of circumstances. My thoughts and condolences go out to the families concerned about what they are going through at this time.
“There is a sense of shock in the wider Newtownabbey community to hear this tragic news.”
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