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Community in shock as pensioner who died suddenly is named

Portadown Air Ambulance

A pensioner who died suddenly at a house in Portadown on Wednesday has been named.

He was 84-year-old Victor Pickering.

He was found in his home on Levaghery Close alongside his wife Betty, who was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital, where she was still being treated on Thursday.

Police say they are still investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Pickering’s death but are not looking for anyone else in connection the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Eamonn Corrigan said: “Detectives are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding this death.

“At this stage we do not believe anyone else was involved in this incident. Our enquiries are continuing.”

A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman said it received a call shortly before 5pm of a male in an unconscious state.

Two rapid response paramedics, two ambulance crews, a Hazardous Area Response Team officer (HART), as well as the Air Ambulance with a helicopter emergency medical services (HEMS) crew on board, attended the incident.

The air ambulance landed in the car park of Portadown Free Presbyterian Church, opposite the couple’s home.

Ulster Unionist councillor Kenneth Twyble, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, said he had known Mr Pickering “for a lifetime” and was “heartbroken” at his death.

He said: “I always found him to be a most gracious and humble man who gave a lifetime of service to young people, mainly through the Boys’ Brigade and the wider church.

“Lately, he continued service through the BB Old Boys’ Association.”

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