Latest: Man murdered in Randalstown after vehicle incident

PSNI detective chief inspector Gareth Talbot said a woman in her 50s was assaulted and taken to hospital for treatment to non-life-threatening injuries.

He said: “At this time investigations are at an early stage but I am treating this as murder.

“I appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious vehicles or activity in the Caddy Road area at around midnight to contact CID.”

Locals at the scene said they understood the couple had been driving along the Caddy Road from Randalstown when their vehicle was stopped and they were attacked,

They said they also understood the woman, who they said lives on the Randalstown area, “had been stabbed in the head”.

DUP MLA Trevor Clarke said: “People in the area are in deep shock today.“I awakened to the news this morning like the locals and I am shocked and horrified that this has happened. At this early stage there are very few details but irrespective of that someone has died, I will be joining the police in their appeal for information to help bring someone to justice for this horrendous incident.”

UUP MLA for the area, Danny Kinahan said he was “shocked to hear of this murder”.

“It is tragic that someone has lost their life,” he said. “Randalstown is a quiet, peaceful area and this will come as a shock to the whole community.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information or saw anything suspicious to pass it to the PSNI as soon as possible so that they can apprehend those responsible.”

Alliance Antrim Councillor Neil Kelly condemned those responsible for the murder.

He said: “People in the area are shocked at what has taken place. This appeared to be a callous attack by those with no regard for the lives of others. I would condemn those responsible and urge them to hand themselves into the Police.

“I would like to extend my sympathies to this man’s family and friends. I hope that the woman who was also attacked is able to make a full recovery. My thoughts are with her at this difficult time.

“The people responsible for this man’s death are very dangerous individuals who must be urgently apprehended by the Police. They must face justice in the courts, so I would urge anybody with any information about this incident to contact the Police or Crimestoppers.”

Sinn Féin MLA for South Antrim, Mitchel McLaughlin said the local community in and around Randalstown was in shock.

“Randalstown is a quiet, close knit community,” he said. “This news that the town awoke to is complete unexpected and we are all mindful that a family is now grieving.

“If any one has any information about this tragic incident or saw anything suspicious I would urge them to contact the PSNI.”