Tributes have been paid after the death of MLA Alex Easton's parents, following a house fire in Bangor on Monday.
Alec and Ann Easton, both 81, sadly died following the blaze at their house on Dellmount Park, despite the best efforts of the emergency services.
The fire was reported at around 8.44am and 19 firefighters tackled the blaze, with the elderly couple receiving treatment at the scene before sadly passing away.
Read more: MLA Alex Easton asks for prayers as elderly parents die together in tragic house fire
Alex Easton is a former DUP MLA who switched to become and independent Assembly member in 2021.
His former party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson paid tribute to his former colleague and offered his condolences.
“I have spoken to Alex earlier today and expressed my sympathies to him at this time of unimaginable grief and to assure him of our prayerful support," Sir Jeffrey said.
"The thoughts of everyone within the DUP are with him and the wider family as they struggle to take in this enormous loss."
DUP councillor Wesley Irvine works in the same office and is a good friend of Mr Easton and said he could not believe the news when he heard it this morning.
"My heartfelt and deepest sympathy go out to the family at this time - any support we can give them we will do that," he told Belfast Live.
"It was such a shock when he rang me this morning to tell me, it was awful, I just couldn't believe it.
"I know there were so many emergency services who tried their best to help both parents but unfortunately it was not to be.
"It's your worst nightmare to hear that and for him to be living so close and not being able to be there, it must be so hard too.
"As a close personal friend to Alex, it's just hard to put into words and the whole community will be shocked by it."
The Speaker of the Assembly, Sinn Féin MLA Alex Maskey, issued a statement following the tragic news.
"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," he said.
"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.”
Sinn Féin leader Michelle O'Neill also offered her sympathies.
"Deepest sympathies to Alex Easton on the tragic loss of his parents," she wrote.
"My thoughts are with Alex and his wider family circle at this desperately sad time."
The Ulster Unionist leader Doug Beattie said he was shocked by the news as well.
"Absolutely devastated for Alex," he tweeted.
"Unimaginable loss. My thoughts are with him, his family and friends at this difficult time."
Fellow independent MLA Claire Sugden reached out in support of Mr Easton in his time of grief.
"My heartfelt condolences to Alex Easton & his family," she wrote on social media.
"Truly awful circumstances to lose both parents. Heart wrenching. God Bless them all."
Alliance's Deputy Leader Stephen Farry and North Down MP Stephen Farry said it was horrendous news.
"This is a really shocking tragedy," he wrote on social media.
"My sympathies and thoughts with the Easton family at this extremely difficult time."
The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood also acknowledged the gravity of the tragedy.
"Just hearing the tragic news from Bangor," he wrote.
"Thinking of Alex Easton and his wider family circle as they deal with this terrible loss."
The TUV leader Jim Allister paid tribute to the Easton family in a statement.
“Words are inadequate at a time such as this. To lose both one’s parents in such horrific circumstances is unimaginable," he said.
"If those outside the family feel their weakness when asked to comment on such a shattering blow I can only imagine how Alex is coming to terms with this news.
“I extend my heartfelt sympathy to him and his family. Like countless others across Northern Ireland I will remember them in my prayers in the coming days.”
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