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, North Down MLA Alex Easton's parents, Alex and Anne, both 81, could not be saved and the 53-year-old politician told friends and constituents of his immense loss in a short statement Facebook page.
"I can’t believe I am having to say this but both my Mum and Dad have passed away, I don’t know what to say," he wrote.
"But I would ask that you give myself and my family time to process things and respect our privacy as we grieve.
"I just can't believe Mum and Dad are dead. They were together and I just pray they knew nothing about it. We would appreciate your prayers."
Mr Easton, 53, was at home in Bangor with his wife Denise as friends and constituents reacted to the news.
He made a brief statement on his Facebook page, explaining that he had lost his parents, dad Alexander, and mum Anne, in a tragic accident in their home in the seaside town.
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.
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."
