A tragic house fire has claimed the life of a 62-year-old man and his dog.
The blaze broke out at the property earlier on Tuesday morning, as four fire crews and other emergency service personnel attended the scene in Carryduff, Belfast.
Tragically, David Marshall and his dog passed away following the blaze which took place shortly after 10am at his home on Manse Road, BelfastLive reported.
Mr Marshall has been described by his family as a "popular local character" with a love for dogs, particularly his poodles Rum and Coke.
One of the dogs had died a few years ago.
A family member of Mr Marshall's has said they are shocked and saddened by the death of the 62-year-old.
They said: "We are all very shocked to hear that David has tragically passed away.
"He was a popular local character around Carryduff and was very passionate about his two black poodles Rum and Coke."
South Belfast Alliance councillor Michelle Guy said: “The community are both shocked and saddened to hear about this awful tragedy.
"I want to extend my sincere condolences to the loved ones of the man who lost his life, as they struggle to come to terms with this awful news”
A NIFRS spokesperson said: "The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with the family and friends of a man who died following a fire on Manse Road, Carryduff.
"On Tuesday 12 April 2022 at 10.17am, Firefighters were called to reports of a fire in a property on Manse Road.
"Two Fire Appliances from Knock Fire Station, 1 Fire Appliance each from Central and Cadogan Fire Stations and the Specialist Rescue Team attended the incident.
"Firefighters wore breathing apparatus and used 3 jets to extinguish the fire.
"Tragically, a man was discovered in the property and was pronounced dead at the scene.
"The fire was under control by 2.10pm and the cause remains under investigation."
Police confirmed that a man has died as a result of the fire at a property on the Manse Road.
Detective Inspector Bell said: “At approximately 10.20am, police received a report that a fire had started at the property.
"The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were also in attendance.
“Tragically one person has been found deceased at the property.”
“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.
"Anyone with information is asked to call 101, and quote reference number 397 12/04/22.
"A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.
"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."
