A Northern Ireland politician has asked for prayers for his family after losing both parents in a tragic house fire on Monday.
Fire and ambulance crews were called to a blaze at a house on Dellmount Park in Bangor at around 8.44am.
But despite the best efforts of 19 fire fighters, Mr Easton's parents, Alec and Ann, both 81, could not be saved and the 53-year-old politician told friends and constituents of his immense loss in a short statement on Facebook.
Read more: Bangor house fire tackled by 19 firefighters
He said: "It is with deep regret that today we lost our dear parents Alec Easton and Ann Easton. The family deeply appreciates the work of the Police Service, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, Air Ambulance Service and all emergency responders - we pay tribute to their professionalism and care.
"At this time of family bereavement and grief we request the family's privacy is respected to allow us time and space as we deal with our loss. As a family we are thankful for all the prayers and messages of condolence that we have received."
Mr Easton was at home in Bangor with his wife Denise as friends and constituents reacted to the news.
Mr Easton's father was a retired engineer from South Africa. He had suffered health problems for the last 20 years and used a wheelchair. His mum, who had looked after Alex, his brother Christopher, a Church of Ireland Minister, and sister, Lorraine, a nurse, while their father worked overseas for much of their childhood, died alongside her husband. She was also a wheelchair user.
The PSNI said that a couple in their 80s had died following a fire at the property, after being treated for their injuries at the scene.
PSNI Superintendent McDowell said: “This sad news will come as a huge shock to the local community and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time.
"An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire and our officers have been in the area conducting enquiries. We would appeal to anyone with information they believe may assist our investigation to call us."
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said five appliances and 19 firefighters had been sent to tackle the blaze.
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris expressed his condolences on Twitter.
“Horrible to hear this news My thoughts and prayers are with Mr Easton and his family and friends,” he posted.
Speaker of the Stormont Assembly Alex Maskey said: “On behalf of myself and the Assembly, I want to express my sympathies to Alex Easton and his family circle following the tragic death of Alex’s parents.
“Words are simply insufficient in the aftermath of a heart-breaking loss such as this. I know that many Members and staff in the Assembly community at Parliament Buildings have been shocked by the news and have the Easton family in their thoughts.”
Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: “The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are with the loved ones of a couple in their 80s who sadly died following a house fire in Bangor this morning.
“This morning at 8.44am, Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a detached house in Dellmount Park, Bangor.
“Five Appliances & 19 Firefighters were quickly on the scene from Bangor, Donaghadee, Newtownards and Holywood Fire Stations. Firefighters rescued two people from the house and extinguished the fire.
"Paramedics administered first aid to the casualties, but tragically they died at the scene.
“Firefighters left the scene at 12.33pm and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.”
On Monday afternoon, a strong presence remained from both the PSNI and NIFRS including several forensics officers.
Northern Ireland Ambulance Service crews were despatched to the scene when the alarm was raised.
"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 08.46 on Monday, 23 January 2023 following reports of an incident in Dellmount Park, Bangor," an NIAS spokesperson said.
"NIAS despatched three Emergency crews, one Rapid Response Paramedic and the Charity Air Ambulance with HEMS on board were also tasked to the incident.
"No one was taken from the scene."
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