Newry sudden deaths: Two people die on same street within days of each other

Police are investigating the deaths of two young people in the same street in Newry within days of each other.

The PSNI said the sudden deaths involved a man and woman, who were both aged in their 20s, in the Sandys Street area of the Co Down city.

Police received a report of the man’s death on Sunday evening, while the woman was found dead just three days later on Wednesday evening.

It remains unclear if the two bodies were found in the same property on Sandys Street.

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A post mortem was carried out of the body of the man and police said they are awaiting the results of a toxicology report to help determine the cause of death.

Police have not yet released the names of the deceased.

Among online posts some have described their shock at the two deaths.

“So, so sad just awful 2 deaths in space days, it’s terrible, God love their poor families,” said one.

In a statement on Thursday, PSNI district commander for Newry, Mourne and Down, Superintendent Norman Haslett said: “I am aware that the deaths of these two young people will cause concern in the local community.

“A post mortem has now been completed into the man’s death and we await the results of a toxicology report to help determine the cause of death.

“A post mortem is still to be held to establish the cause of death of the woman - and we would urge people not to speculate at this time.

“I want to take this opportunity to reassure you that we, as a police service, will fully investigate the circumstances surrounding this loss of life, and send our sympathies to the families and friends of those involved.”

Sinn Féin councillor Geraldine Kearns told The Irish News that news of the two deaths was “very sad”.

“The community is shocked and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the deceased.”