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The police have revealed more information and launched a murder investigation after an elderly couple were found dead in their home.

The pair, named locally as Michael and Marjorie Cawdrey, were discovered by a family member at their house in Upper Ramone Park in Portadown, Co Armagh.

There have been unconfirmed reports that the pensioners had been stabbed. The pair were understood to have both been 83-years-old.

Detectives investigating the bloody attack later arrested a 40-year-old man. It is understood he was detained not far from where the murders took place.

It was claimed the man arrested by officers investigating the double killing had been in hospital earlier in the day.

(Image: Alan Lewis)

A number of sources indicated that the man had been detained after exhibiting erratic behaviour, but later left hospital prior to the couple being attacked.

One well-placed source told Belfast Live that the man had been detained by officers in Newry after being seen naked. It is claimed that he was later taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.

However, according to sources, he later left the hospital. Craigavon Area Hospital is only a few hundred yards from Upper Ramone Park across a green area to the rear of homes on the right hand side of the street.

There were unconfirmed reports that around the same time as the attack on Mr and Mrs Cawdrey there was a "rampage" in the area in which a car was stolen and a number of thefts committed.

The street where the couple were found, largely made up of late 60s, early 70s style homes, was sealed off with police officers only allowing residents in.

Kevin Geddes, head of the PSNI murder squad, described the killing as a "very brutal attack".

The Detective Superintendent added: "At around 3.40 this afternoon police and the Ambulance Service were called to an address at Upper Ramone Park. When they arrived they discovered two elderly people dead in the house.

"We are now treating this as murder investigation and I'd like to appeal for information. We are aware that a grey Renault Kango van was stolen by someone who was in that house around the time of the murder.

"That vehicle has subsequently been recovered by us in the Edenderry area of Portadown which is a short drive from where it was taken.

"There was also suspicious activity including a car being broken into around 12.20 this morning (Friday). That may well be connected. We have arrested a male close to where we found the van, in the Springfields area of Portadown."

DS Geddes would not be drawn on how the couple died, but confirmed a weapon or weapons had been used.

He declined to say if they are looking for anyone else for the murder but wanted to "reassure the public" that there will be a increased police presence in the area.

Asked if the man detained had been in hospital prior to the incident he said it was a "line of enquiry".

DS Geddes said that the man arrested has not been detained under mental health legislation.

(Image: Tony Hendron/Tonypixnews)

Alvin Winter, a resident in the street, said he was shocked at the news.

He added: "It's just completely devastating for something like this to happen on your doorstep. It's just a quiet wee cul-de-sac and sure we only heard when people started ringing us, then we heard the helicopter overhead.

"You just don't expect this to happen so close. It's awful."

It is unclear if any weapon has been recovered.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoffrey Boyce said: “Police investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious deaths of an elderly man and woman in the Craigavon area have arrested a 40 year old man.

“There are no further details at this stage.”

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie, who was at the scene of the tragedy, said local people are "deeply shocked".

He added: "It's a very disturbing situation on what is a leafy street with people going about their business. Obviously it is a very difficult time for the family of the deceased couple and our thoughts should be with them."

Upper Bann MP David Simpson called for anyone with information to come forward.

He added: "Horrific news concerning the death of an elderly couple in Upper Ramone Park, Portadown this afternoon. My thoughts and prayers are with the deceased family. This is a horrific scene and one that has shocked the entire Portadown and wider community.

"The couple tragically lost their lives in their own home today. We can only begin to imagine the shock, heartbreak and pain this has caused.

"I am liaising with the PSNI and would encourage anyone who has any information to come forward with it. A man has been apprehended and investigations are ongoing."