Neighbours left 'sickened' after police launch probe into 'murder-suicide'

11 January 2024 , 17:05

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Neil and Alison McLaughlin were found dead at a property in Greenock (Image: PA)

The neighbours of a couple who were found dead in a town in Scotland have been left shocked after police revealed they passed away in what appears to be a "murder-suicide".

Alison McLaughlin, 53, and her husband Neil, 57, were discovered at their home on Banff Road in Greenock, Inverclyde, on Friday last week. Police Scotland confirmed on Thursday morning that Alison's death was being treated as murder, while the death of her husband is not being viewed as suspicious.

The force said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths, following extensive inquiries. Officers went to the couple's home at around 5.05pm on January 5 following a report of concern for the people inside. The couple's bodies were discovered at the scene.

Detective Inspector Gordon Smith said: "Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of both Alison and Neil. They have asked for privacy at what is a very difficult time for them. "I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding while we carried out our investigation. A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal."

Reacting to police's recent update, neighbours told how they were left "sickened" by the news, reported the Daily Record. A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's heart-breaking to hear and even worse as it's just after Christmas and New Year when families are supposed to come together.

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Neighbours of the couple were shocked after they were found dead (Handout)

"Theirs has been torn apart, it honestly sickens me to hear what I've heard about it. It's an absolute sin for their daughter and their wee granddaughter." Another, who also did not want to be named, said: "It's absolutely shocking. When I heard what happened, I couldn't believe it. They seemed like such a nice couple - they would always say hello or wave when you saw them in the street. I'm gutted for their daughter, she's apparently not long given birth and she's now having to deal with the loss of both her parents, it's a total sin."

Talking about the couple's granddaughter, the neighbour added: "She's going to grow up without her grandparents, she's had that snatched away from her. It's such a quiet area here. There's a lot of workers so not much coming and going through the day. Everyone keeps themselves to themselves but everyone is polite and friendly and says hello. From seeing them in the street I just can't believe what's happened."

A third anonymous neighbour said: "I'm struggling to believe it's real. You hear about this kind of things in film because they're that far-fetched. I'm shocked something like this has happened. That it's real and not fantasy and that it's so close to us. It's heartbreaking for the family and their poor daughter."

Floral tributes have been left outside the home, including a candle placed alongside a handwritten note reading: "Alison you have left a hole in many hearts, I will miss you dearly and I pray for Robyn, Alilynne and the rest of your family."

Laura Paterson