Pensioner's death not suspicious

The body could have been there for up to three weeks

An elderly woman whose body may have lain undiscovered at her County Antrim home over Christmas died of natural causes, police have said.

Her body was found at her home on the Ballykeel estate in Ballymena on Monday after neighbours alerted police.

The woman's name has not yet been released.

After a post mortem examination was carried out, police said: "We do not believe there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the death."

It is understood the body was found in the living room of the house and could have been there for up to three weeks.

Jim Blair, one of the men who raised the alarm, said there was a great deal of sadness in the community about the discovery.

"It was a real shock to us, because we are really close around this square," he said.

"I just couldn't believe it - the little lady was very fond of the kids around here in the square.

"She was very popular. Every time she went to the shop, she brought the wee ones down sweets - the kids loved her to bits.

"I have known her for years and she was a really well-loved lady around here."