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Heartbroken family’s tribute to “two wonderful people” murdered in their own home

Man remains in custody after murder of Marjorie and Michael Cawdery

Michael and Marjorie Cawdery

The heartbroken family of the pensioners murdered in Portadown on Friday have described them as “two wonderful people”.

Michael and Marjorie Cawdery were stabbed to death in their home at Upper Ramone Park.

Both were aged 83.

A 40-year-old man was arrested and remains in custody as police investigations continue.

The Cawdery family have been left broken by what has happened.

They have thanked everyone for their support.

In a statement released today (Saturday), they have also asked for peace to grieve.

They said: “The awful and incomprehensible events of Friday 26 May have deprived our family of two wonderful people Michael and Marjorie who were our father, mother, brother, sister and grandparents.

“We thank the police for their prompt response and professional actions.

“We also thank everyone who has expressed sympathy in whatever way and offered help.

“Finally, we ask for respect and privacy in the coming days as the family try to come to terms with their loss.”

Police earlier provided further details on Friday’s shocking events.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Geddes said police were called to an address in the Upper Ramone Park area of the town at around 3.40pm and found the couple dead in their home.

He continued: “Earlier in the day, at around 12.20pm, we had a report of a male breaking into a car in the Upper Ramone Park area. We are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area between 11am and 5pm yesterday to get in touch with police on the non-emergency number 101.

“The family car belonging to the deceased, a grey Renault Kango van, registration NJZ 6101 was taken from the house and later found at around 5pm in the Edenderry Gardens area.

“We need to know the movements of this car from the time it left Upper Ramone Park until it was recovered in Edenderry Gardens. Again, please get in touch with detectives on the non-emergency number 101 if you saw it in the Portadown area yesterday between 3.30pm – 5pm.

“A 40 year old man who was arrested yesterday afternoon in the Springfields area of Portadown remains in custody.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in and around the Edenderry or Springfields areas yesterday, to please let us know.

“Detectives remain in the area and we will have extra patrols in the Portadown area.

“Anyone with information should contact police on the non-emergency number 101. Or, if you would prefer to provide information without giving your details, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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