The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has offered its condolences to the Easton Family following a tragic house fire in Bangor which killed an elderly couple.
The couple were Alec and Ann Easton, both 81, the parents of Independent North Down MLA Alex Easton.
The fire was reported on Monday at around 8.44am at their house on Dellmount Park.
Read more: MLA Alex Easton asks for prayers as elderly parents die together in tragic house fire
Care nurses, who would have visited the household to care for the elderly couple, raised the alarm on Monday morning.
MCare confirmed that their staff had been looking after the couple in the past few years and passed on their condolences.
"MCare staff and management are saddened to learn of the deaths of Alec and Ann Easton," a spokesperson said.
"We were privileged to have provided care for Mr and Mrs Easton in their home for the last three years.
"We extend deepest condolences to their family, friends and our colleagues at this time."
Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, including firefighters and ambulance crews, the much-loved couple tragically died at the scene following treatment efforts.
Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire & Rescue Officer, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: "On behalf of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) I would like to extend my sincere condolences and sympathies to Alex Easton MLA and the wider family circle on the tragic death of his parents Alexander and Ann.
"Incidents like this strike at the very heart of NIFRS.
"I would like to acknowledge and pay tribute to our Firefighters and emergency service colleagues who attended this tragic incident.
"Our thoughts remain with the Easton family and the local community at this difficult time."
Tributes and condolences also poured in on Monday from political colleagues, across councils, Stormont and Westminster.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Easton thanked those who had offered their support and said it had been a terrible shock for the family.
“It is with deep regret that today we lost our dear parents Alec Easton and Ann Easton,” he said.
“The family deeply appreciate 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.
“Further details of funeral arrangements to follow.”
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