Belfast homes evacuated after two found dead in suspected stabbing

Local councillor describes deceased as couple of 'characters' well known in area

A 35-year-old man has been arrested after two people were found dead in a flat in Belfast, prompting the evacuation of nearby homes and the launch of a major police operation.

The bodies of a man and a woman were discovered in the apartment in the Kinnaird Close area on Monday afternoon, with locals claiming the pair had suffered stab wounds.

One man has since been arrested, and is being held in Musgrave Police Station in the city centre ahead of questioning.

SDLP Councillor Paul McCusker said the deceased were both "characters", and well known in the area.

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

Sinn Fein councillor JJ Magee added 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."

The pair were found by police just after midday after a report from a member of the public.

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery, said: "The circumstances of the deaths will now be subject to investigation and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course.

"At this stage it would not be appropriate to elaborate further on the circumstances as our inquiries are at an extremely early stage."​