Funerals of mother and daughter

A friend discovered the bodies of mother and daughter

The funerals have taken place of a woman and her nine-year-old daughter found dead at their home near Belfast.

The bodies of Madeleine O'Neill and her daughter, Lauren, were found by a friend at their bungalow in Manse Park in Carryduff on Tuesday.

One theory police are considering is that Mrs O'Neill may have killed her child before taking her own life.

Mrs O'Neill, who was originally from Londonderry, was buried in the city along with her daughter.

Carryduff priest Father Brian Waters said the family was very distressed. He said it was a "terrible tragedy".

"She has a family that have been left and they are distressed. My concerns are with the family and looking after their pastoral concerns at the moment."

It is understood that the body of Mrs O'Neill, who was aged in her 40s, and her daughter were found by a friend who called in to check on them.

It is understood post mortem examinations were carried out on their bodies on Tuesday, although it is not yet known how they died.

It is believed Mrs O'Neill and her husband had separated and the family had moved out of the house recently after deciding to sell it.