Death of three year old still ‘unexplained’ say police

The boy named locally as Brendan Owens (3) died last Thursday morning at his home at Trinity Terrace.

Police were called to the house at around 2.20am and say they are still treating the tragedy as a sudden death.

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson said that his prayers and sympathies were with the Owens family at this difficult time.

The boy is survived by mother Michelle and grandparents Elton and Carol.

His funeral was organised through Ronnie Thompson funeral directors.

“This is an absolute tragedy for the Owens family,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, his mum Michelle and the wider family circle.

“The grief and pain that this family are suffering right now must be unbearable. No doubt they will receive strong support from the local community.”

The boy attended a Barnardo’s run mothers and toddlers group based at St Paul’s Church off Longstone Street.

Director of Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson said, “The death of a child is always a tragedy and in any case like this our thoughts and sympathies are with the family.”

Councillor Andrew Ewing said that he too was saddened to learn of the death of the young boy.

“This is a tragic event,” he said. “To hear of a sudden death like this is so distressing. It has sent shockwaves throughout the entire community.”

In a statement from Lisburn PSNI a spokesperson said, “As is usual procedure in the event of any sudden or unexplained death police will carry out a full investigation. We are currently awaiting the results of tests and no further details are available at this time.”

Police say that the results of a post mortem carried out last Friday came back as ‘inconclusive’ and further tests have been carried out. Police said that they were continuing to treat the death as an ‘unexplained’.