The Coleraine community is in shock as best friends are found dead in an apartment

An investigation is underway after two men were found dead in an apartment.

«Sudden deaths» occurred on the property in Coleraine, Share Derry.

The men were named locally as best friends Russell McAfee, 60, and Nigel McGraw, 53.

It is understood that McGraw’s father discovered the pair in a basement apartment inside the Elms Park estate in Ballysalai on Monday, Belfast Live Reports.

PSNI said: «Following the reporting of the sudden deaths of two men at a property in the Elms Park area of ​​Coleraine on Monday afternoon (November 29), police attended the scene, along with other emergency services, and are satisfied that there was no immediate danger to the public.

The deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time.”

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said crews were called at around 2.37pm on Monday.

The cause of the death of the two men has not yet been confirmed by the coroner.

Despite immediate concerns about a carbon monoxide leak, this is no longer believed to be the line of investigation.

It is understood that the players, who are both fans of Rangers, were planning to travel together for a match in the near future.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough PUP Council member Russell Watton said he was «disgusted» by what he called «hurtful» speculation online after the men were killed.

Mr Watton wrote on social media: “As someone who has been in Ballyisali for most of this afternoon and into this evening, I am disgusted by the speculation now circulating on social media.

“The sad truth is that no one knows what happened to these two men. The rumors circulating around us are a disgrace and a disgrace to our close relatives.

«I am asking everyone to show some sympathy to the families and allow the authorities to do their work.»

He added, «The coroner will decide the cause of death, not the keyboard warriors. Always remember that these two men are someone’s loved ones.»

University Council member Daryl Wilson said he was «sad» to hear the news.

«My thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of the men and the entire Blissful community,» he added.

Independent MLA Claire Sugden also offered her «deepest condolences» to the family and friends of the deceased.

Kara Hunter, SDLP East Derry MLA added: «The community will be stunned by this incident and my thoughts too go out to them after such a tragic ordeal.

“I would ask people to give space to the police to conduct their investigation into these sudden deaths so that they can determine exactly what happened here. I would also encourage anyone with information about what happened to come to the police as soon as possible.”