A man has been arrested by police investigating the deaths of two people found in a Belfast flat.

The 35-year-old was taken to Musgrave Police Station to be questioned after the bodies of a man and woman were discovered in an apartment in the Kinnaird Close area.

The victims are understood to have suffered stab wounds.

A major police operation has seen a number of nearby homes evacuated.

Forensic officers were seen examining the scene throughout Monday afternoon, with a PSNI helicopter circling above the area at intervals throughout the day.

Police have confirmed two people were found dead, but have not confirmed any further details, insisting their inquiries were at an early stage.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Montgomery, who is leading the investigation, said: “At around 12.55pm police received a report from a member of the public that the bodies of two people had been discovered in a flat in the area.

“The circumstances of the deaths will now be subject to investigation and post-mortem examinations will take place in due course.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call shortly after 1pm.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, no one was transferred to hospital,” it said.

Belfast City Councillor Paul McCusker told the Press Association: “Just a few days before Christmas this is the worst kind of news for any family.

“Within the local community there is anger and sadness.”

Cllr McCusker, an SDLP representative, said the dead couple were both “characters” and well known in the area.

“A few days before Christmas this couple’s poor family will get this devastating and horrific news that they have died in such conditions,” he added.

Sinn Fein councillor JJ Magee said 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.”

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