The elderly parents of a politician have died in a tragic house fire, their son confirmed on Monday.
Union Assembly member Alex Easton lost his parents Alec and Ann, both 81, in the fire in Bangor, Co Down, this morning.
A total of 19 firefighters were called to the scene, Belfast Live reports, but despite their best efforts the crew were unable to save the couple.
Mr Easton, 53, told friends and constituents of his immense loss in a short statement on Facebook.
"It is with deep regret that today we lost our dear parents Alec Easton and Ann Easton," he wrote.
"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."
Former DUP member Mr Easton was at home in Bangor with his wife Denise as friends and constituents reacted to the news.
Mr Easton's father Alec was a retired engineer from South Africa.
He had suffered health problems for the last 20 years and used a wheelchair.
His mum Ann, who had looked after Alex and 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.
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."
He added: "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.
