LATEST: Shock at Ballymoney murder

The incident happened outside a house at Riverview Park, just before 10.30pm on Monday.

A woman who lived in the house was assaulted. She was taken to hospital. Her injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

Justice Minister David Ford has strongly condemned the murder.

David Ford said: “Whoever carried out this terrible murder in Ballymoney must be condemned without reservation.

“As politicians begin working to deliver on the agreement reached at Stormont for the good of our entire community, evil people are still coming out of the darkness to bring death and suffering onto our streets.

“There is no excuse for violence, nor any cause to justify it. It is time those responsible realised that and accepted the will of the people that Northern Ireland should move forward in peace.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to the family at this time.

“Anyone with information about the murder should pass it to the police or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”

DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said the attack was “very sad news”.

“A family has been devastated and a lady is in hospital,” he said.

“It is in a very quiet residential area of Ballymoney. I have no doubt this will send shock through the community.”

Darryl Wilson, a local Ulster Unionist councillor, said: “Ballymoney in general is a very quiet little town.

“The Riverview Park area is no exception. It is a very close-knit community. It is quite shocking for something like this to happen. People are shocked and stunned.”

Police have appealed to witnesses to come forward.