LISTEN: Neighbours pay tribute to pair found dead in North Belfast flat

Q Radio News/ David Young PA

Neighbours have been paying tribute to two people found dead in a flat in North Belfast yesterday afternoon.

A major police operation was sparked following the discovery at Kinnaird Close.

Local sources say the man and woman suffered stab wounds - but that hasn't been confirmed by police.

This neighbour received a Christmas card from the pair the day before, and says he's devastated:

A 35 year old man who was arrested last night in connection with the incident remains in police custody.

Breaking .... Detectives investigating the deaths of two people at a flat in Kinnaird Close in north Belfast have made an arrest.

The 35 year old man has been arrested as part of the investigation and has been taken to Musgrave police station for questioning. pic.twitter.com/jwT7nHzKyh

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) December 23, 2019

Several nearby homes have been evacuated amid a major police operation in the area.

Police have confirmed that two people were found dead but have not confirmed any further details, insisting the investigation was at an extremely early stage.

(A major police operation was sparked following the discovery at Kinnaird Close)

Councillor Paul McCusker told the PA news agency: "Just a few days before Christmas this is the worst kind of news for any family.

"Within the local community there is anger and sadness."

The SDLP representative said the dead couple were both "characters" and well known in the area.

"A few days before Christmas this couple's poor family will get this devastating and horrific news that they have died in such conditions," he added.

Sinn Fein councillor JJ Magee said it was a "tragic scene"..

"Absolutely shocked, the community is shocked by the news that has come from this very, very serious situation," he said.

"It is an absolute tragic event."

Mr Magee said there would have been many children in the area around the time of the incident due to the Christmas holidays.

(A major police operation was sparked following the discovery at Kinnaird Close)

Police forensic officers were examining the scene of the incident through Monday afternoon.

These people live in the area and have told Q Radio everyone's in shock...

A PSNI helicopter was also circling above the area at intervals throughout the day.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery, said: "At around 12.55pm police received a report from a member of the public that the bodies of two people had been discovered in a flat in the area.

"The circumstances of the deaths will now be subject to investigation and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course."

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call shortly after 1pm.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, no one was transferred to hospital," the NIAS said.