Ambulance workers discovered the bodies of three people, including an eight-year-old girl, at a home in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, on Monday morning. Police are investigating the incident as a suspected double murder followed by a sudden death.

The victims were identified as a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman, and the young girl. The adults are believed to be originally from Poland.

PSNI Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, stated that specialist officers are providing support to the victims' families and that police are liaising with the Polish Consulate. He urged the public to avoid speculation.

"We await the results of post-mortem examinations and are keeping an open mind as to what has occurred, however a strong hypothesis is that this was a double murder followed by a sudden death," Calderwood said.

Police have stated there is no ongoing risk to the public and they are not seeking anyone else in connection with the deaths. A significant police presence is dedicated to the investigation.

An eight-year-old girl was among three people found dead in an alleged double murder in Ballymena (Pictured: police tape at the scene on Tuesday)

A woman lays flowers at the scene of the tragedy in the County Antrim town on Tuesday

A pair of pink and blue child's sandals were drying on a washing line as police conducted their investigation

Toys could be seen outside the house on Tuesday. The victims - who also included a 41-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman - were all from the same family

PSNI Mid & East Antrim District Commander, Superintendent William Calderwood, pictured, said specialist officers are supporting the victims' families

The community has been left in shock by the incident. Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Thomas Gordon, described the event as 'heartbreaking' and extended condolences to the families affected. North Antrim MP Jim Allister and Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan also expressed shock and offered thoughts to the relatives and friends of the deceased.

Police were present in the Old Cullybackey Road area from Monday morning, with diversions in place on adjacent roads as investigations commenced. Anyone with information has been urged to contact the police.