Alliance MLA John Blair has expressed his sympathies after police launched a double murder investigation in Newtownabbey.

It is believed a man stabbed his mother and girlfriend at separate properties, in Derrycoole Way in Rathcoole and Glenville Road in Whiteabbey. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents, which they are treating as related.

“This is a sad and shocking set of circumstances,” said Mr Blair.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with the families concerned in what they are going through at this time. There is a sense of shock in the wider Newtownabbey community upon hearing this tragic news.

“Police have appealed for information and I’d ask anyone who can help with their enquiries to contact them immediately.”