Craigavon Couple 'Shot In Head' Named

A murder inquiry is under way after a man and woman were shot dead at a flat in Craigavon, Co Armagh.

The victims' bodies were discovered at an address in the Legahory Court area of the town just after 6pm yesterday. The couple - Hugh McGeough, 56, and Jacqueline McGeough, 44 - sustained gunshot wounds to the head.

It is believed the man was in his late 40s or early 50s and the woman was his partner or wife.

Sinn Fein representative for the Craigavon area John O'Dowd said the community was stunned by news of the shooting as police sources played down fears of a dissident republican link to the murder of the couple, while initial theories suggested gangland criminals might be to blame.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to come forward.

Officers from the PSNI's serious crime branch, who are leading the probe, said their inquiries were at an early stage.

Police last night cordoned off a wide area around the flat where the fatal shootings took place.

A motive for the killings has not yet been confirmed but it is understood that police are investigating a possible drugs connection.

The Alliance party Upper Bann representative, Harry Hamilton has expressed his shock at the murder.

"The couple were found on Monday evening by the man's son. It is believed that they received fatal gun shot wounds to the head," he said.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Jo-Anne Dobson and fellow Assembly candidate Colin McCusker have also condemned the shooting.

Councillor Dobson said: "Local people will be totally shocked at the shooting dead of two people in their own home.

"My deepest condolences go out to the families of the two people who have been killed. Nothing can justify such a horrific event and it is imperative that the person responsible is caught as soon as possible."

Mr McCusker said: "People in Legahory like the rest of Upper Bann will be stunned at these events and I too would like to extend my sincere condolences to the families of the dead.

"There is absolutely no excuse for the taking of a life and I would urge anyone with any information, however small, to come forward immediately and assist the police in catching whoever is responsible for this dreadful act," he said.

(BMcC/GK)