Portadown double murder: Couple named
An elderly man and woman, murdered in a "brutal attack" in their Portadown home, have been named as Michael and Marjorie Cawdery.
Last updated 27th May 2017
The couple both aged 83, were found dead in their home in Upper Ramone Park on Friday afternoon.
It is believed they disturbed a burglar in their home.
Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said the incident has horrified the local community:
"It's a quiet leafy lane, there's only one way in and one way out," he said.
He added: "People have lived here for quite a considerable amount of time and it's not the kind of place you would expect crime to be."
It is understood that a relative discovered the bodies in their home.
Former Upper Bann MP, David Simpson says his thoughts are with the family:
"I understand there are two individuals deceased and a family member discovered the tragedy when they arrived home.
"That in itself must be a horrific scene."
A 40-year-old man was arrested on Friday.
Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes branded the killing "a very brutal attack" and appealed for information:
"Earlier in the day, around 12.20pm we had a report of a male breaking into a car in the Upper Ramone Park area.
"We are appealing for anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area between 11am and 5pm...to get in touch with police on the number 101," he said.
Mr Geddes also revealed information about a vehicle they uncovered:
"The family car belonging to the deceased, a grey Renault Kangoo van, registration NJZ 6101 was taken from the house and later found at around 5pm in the Edenderry Gardens area.
"We need to know the movements of this car from the time it left Upper Ramone Park until it was recovered in Edenderry Gardens.
In a statement the Cawdery family circle said they had been deprived of "two wonderful people."
"The awful and incomprehensible events of Friday 26 May have deprived our family of two wonderful people Michael and Marjorie who were our father, mother, brother, sister and grandparents.
"We thank the Police for their prompt response and professional actions.
"We also thank everyone who has expressed sympathy in whatever way and offered help. Finally, we ask for respect and privacy in the coming days as the family try to come to terms with their loss."