Forensic officers have been pictured working at the scene

Three people have been found dead in a house, police have said.

They were related and were found inside the family home in the Old Cullybackey Road in Ballymena, County Antrim, on Monday morning.

A police spokesperson said an investigation had been launched but there was no ongoing risk to the public.

They said police would issue a further update later.

The people were found dead in a house in Old Cullybackey Road

There was a police presence in the area from shortly before 11:00 BST, when police said the Old Cullybackey Road was closed, with diversions in place at the junctions of Inishowen Park and the Cullybackey Road.

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said the deaths had caused great shock in the community.

"Though details remain scant, clearly there are family and friends who have suffered huge loss," the Traditional Unionist Voice leader said.

Sinn Féin assembly member Philip McGuigan said speculation about what had happened was not helpful.

He said anybody who could help police should come forward.

Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows said the entire town was devastated and police should be given "patience and time" to complete their investigation.

"The more information the police can get out the better, because there is a community in shock," he said.

Alliance Party assembly member Sian Mulholland also urged anyone with information to contact the police and said her thoughts were with everyone affected.