A 34-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of Patrick DouglasPaddy Douglas

The PSNI has launched a murder investigation after the death of a man in Ballymoney.

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Douglas, who was 55 years old, died following a house fire in the Main Street area of the town on Tuesday morning, July 1, police say.

A 34-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to ‘local legend’ Ballymoney man who died in tragic flat fireREAD MORE: Man in his 50s dies following house fire in Co Antrim

Detective Inspector Claire McGarvey said: “Police received a report of a fire shortly before 7am on Tuesday morning and attended alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who worked to extinguish the blaze.

“Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service conveyed Mr Douglas to hospital where he sadly died from his injuries. My thoughts are with family members and loved ones who are left trying to come to terms with their loss.

“Following a number of enquiries, a 34-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody at this time.

“I would appeal to anyone with information to contact police. I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the Main Street area of Ballymoney on the morning of Tuesday 1 July just before 7am, and who witnessed anything untoward. Please contact us on 101, quoting reference number 196 01/07/25.”

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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