The murdered couple Majorie and Michael Cawdery found stabbed to death in their home on Friday

THE family of murdered elderly couple Michael and Majorie Cawdery have issued a statement thanking all those who have sent flowers and sympathised with them.

The statement was issued just a few hours after a man appeared in court charged with murdering the elderly couple.

“We would like to express once again our sincere thanks to all who have sent flowers, condolences, messages of sympathy, and helped in many practical ways,” said the Cawdery family statement.

“We are very relieved that a suspect has been charged and we hope that justice for Michael and Marjorie will prevail.

“Our thanks also go to the entire PSNI team for their compassion and professionalism.

“We thank the media for respecting our request for privacy and hope this will continue as we prepare for the funerals.’

Earlier today, Thomas Scott McEntee, of Moorfield Court, Kilkeel, in south Down appeared at Lisburn Magistrates’ Court for a first remand hearing.

The 40-year-old was charged with murdering Michael and Majorie Cawdery.

The bodies of the couple, both aged 83, were found in their Portadown home on Friday May 26.

They had been brutally stabbed to death.

McEntee is said to have mental health difficulties.

He is accused of burgling the couple’s home at Upper Ramone Park and stealing their Renault Kangoo van along with personal items.

McEntee was remanded in custody for a month.