Firearm recovered at farmhouse where two found dead
Police have recovered a firearm at an isolated farmhouse where a farmer and his worker were found shot dead in County Antrim.
Owner Arthur Gibson, 61, and Michael Murphy, 37, were discovered with gunshot wounds near the village of Glenarm.
At this stage it is understood police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the double shooting.
Mr Murphy had worked for Mr Gibson for many years.
Glenarm came to wider public attention earlier this year when severe late winter blizzards enveloped farms in the surrounding hills in a thick blanket of snow, killing thousands of live stock and cutting off many families for days.
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesman said: "Police received a report at around 5.15pm this afternoon that two males had been discovered at a property with fatal wounds. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is under way."
Local Stormont Assembly member Oliver McMullan knew both the dead men.
The Sinn Féin representative said the community was stunned by what he described as a "double tragedy".
"The death tonight of two men is a tragedy not only for the families but also for the community," he said.
"The community is in a state of shock as both men were well known within this tight knit community.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the families at this time."
Mr McMullan paid tribute to the response of the emergency services and hailed the neighbouring farmers who had stepped in to keep the farm running.
SDLP councillor Martin Wilson said: "The entire community will be united in their sense of grief at this shocking and disturbing occurrence.
"Both men were well-known and their untimely deaths will be met with disbelief by those living in the community.
"All our thoughts and prayers are surely with the families at this very difficult time."
Alliance party MLA Stewart Dickson said: "This is an absolutely shocking incident, which has left the village and the surrounding community in shock.
"My thoughts are with the families and friends of the deceased and would call for anyone with any information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible.
"I hope the police will be able to determine what was behind this tragic incident tonight."
