Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BODIES OF BEST FRIENDS FOUND IN FLAT BY DAD
PSNI reveals deaths of tragic pair ‘not suspicious’
BY
THE father of one of the best friends found dead in a flat made the tragic discovery.
Pals Russell Mcafee, 60, and 53-year-old Nigel Mcgraw were discovered on Monday in the Ballysally estate in Coleraine.
It is believed Mr Mcgraw’s father found the pair in a downstairs flat in the Elms Park area.
It is understood the men, both Rangers fans, had been planning to travel together to a match in the near future.
Multiple emergency services including police, fire and ambulance crews attended the scene in Co Derry.
The causes of the deaths of the two men have yet to be confirmed by the coroner.
Despite immediate concerns of a carbon monoxide leak, that is no longer thought to be a line of enquiry.
Two fire engines attended, while firefighters wore hazmat equipment when entering the residence, usually worn for protection against potentially hazardous chemicals or gases.
The PSNI said: “The deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time.”
PUP councillor Russell Watton said he was “disgusted” at “hurtful” online speculation following the deaths of the men.
Mr Watton wrote on social media: “The sad fact is that nobody knows what happened these two men.
“The rumours flying around are a disgrace and hurtful to close relatives.
“The coroner will decide the cause of death not the keyboard warriors.”
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Richard Holmes said the entire community was “in shock”.
He added: “At this very sad time, my thoughts and prayers are with the men’s family members, friends and neighbours as they come to terms with what has happened.”
UUP councillor Darryl Wilson, also said he was “saddened” to hear the news.
He said: “My thoughts and sympathies go out to the families and friends of the men and the entire Ballysally community.”
Independent MLA Claire Sugden passed on her “deepest condolences” to family and friends.
SDLP East Derry MLA Cara Hunter added: “I would ask that people give the police space to carry out their investigation.”
The rumours flying around are a disgrace RUSSELL WATTON PUP COUNCILLOR