Hundreds turn out to pay respects to ‘much loved mother’ Stacey Knell after double murder tragedy

Ms Knell’s family had said on social media that they wanted to “give the wee woman the send off she deserves”, and asked anyone gathering outside her mother’s Sydenham home to observe social distancing, which they scrupulously did.

The 30-year-old mother-of-one was reportedly killed by her boyfriend Ken Flanagan, 26, who also allegedly murdered his mother Karen McClean (50) before taking his own life in two seperate attacks in Newtownabbey last Friday night.

The killings - at Derrycoole Way in Rathcoole and in Glenville Road - shocked and stunned the Newtownabbey community.

A funeral notice described Ms Knell as the “much loved mother of Sophia, devoted daughter of Roberta and Paul, a loving sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many”.

A small family funeral service took place yesterday in her mother’s home at Inverleith Drive.

Outside, one eye witness said there was “a significant police presence”.

She added: “A Land Rover with a camera filmed everything going on with at least half a dozen patrol cars there too.