Harford Street in Portadown remains cordoned off this morning after the body of a man was discovered inside a burnt-out car following a fire on Saturday night.
Residents reported hearing a loud bang at the bottom of the street before seeing a vehicle on fire at around 9.30pm. Emergency services were called to the Harford Street area shortly after 9pm, according to local MP Carla Lockhart.
Residents living at the top end of the street have been told to remain in their homes while police investigate the scene. The circumstances surrounding the man’s death have not yet been established.
Police investigation continues
A police cordon remained in place on Sunday morning as officers worked at the scene. No further information about the identity of the deceased or the cause of the fire was provided in the report.
Ms Lockhart appealed to people not to speculate on social media, particularly about the identity of the man or what may have happened. She said speculation could cause further distress to the bereaved family.
She also asked anyone who witnessed events in the area, or who has information that could assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI.
Tributes and appeal for information
In a statement, the MP expressed sympathy to the man’s family and loved ones and praised the police, firefighters and other emergency personnel who attended what she described as an extremely difficult scene.
“Our community is waking up this morning to deeply tragic news from Portadown.”
Ms Lockhart said she had been liaising with the PSNI and would remain in contact as the investigation progresses. Police have not stated the circumstances of the death.
