Tributes have been paid to the two people killed on Tuesday evening following a light aircraft crash in Co. Down.
Both members of the Ulster Flying Club have yet to be identified, but a full investigation is underway after the tragic incident at Newtownards Airport.
Just hours after the incident, a PSNI spokesman confirmed: "It was reported to police at 8.20 pm that a light aircraft had crashed at the airport.
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The Newtownards Airport was sealed off last night as emergency services attended the scene.
"Officers and other emergency services attended the scene,” the spokesperson continued.
"Sadly, two people were pronounced dead."
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) also attended and said no patients were taken from the scene.
"NIAS despatched two emergency crews, a doctor and an ambulance officer to the incident," it said.
In a post on Facebook the Ulster Flying Club said: “On behalf of the Chairman, Directors, members and staff of the Ulster Flying Club, it is with great sadness and regret that we must share the tragic news that two of our club members lost their lives in the aircraft crash that took place at our airfield in Newtownards last night, the 19th of July, at approx. 20:20.
“The incident is being investigated now by specialist investigators from the PSNI and the Air Accident Investigation Branch of the CAA. Whilst those investigations are ongoing, we can release no further information or details. For further information, please contact the PSNI.
“Our thoughts at this most terrible time are with the families and friends of the two people involved.”
Speaking to RTE News, Alliance Party Councillor Vicky Moore - who lives near the airport - said the community is in shock.
"It is a huge shock to the community and obviously all our thoughts are with the families of those who have been affected and particularly those that have died in the accident,” she said.
"The airport here in Newtownards is part of the community.
"It has been a fixture in the town for a very, very long time.
"Local people are used to the activity at the airport and this will be a terrible shock to them."
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