A flying club in Northern Ireland has issued a statement after two of its members died in an aircraft crash in Newtownards on Tuesday night.
In a statement issued this afternoon, Ulster Flying Club says the incident is now being looked into by specialist investigators. A spokesperson added that their thoughts are with the families and friends of those involved in the tragedy.
"On behalf of the Chairman, Directors, members and staff of the Ulster Flying Club, it is with great sadness and regret that we must share the tragic news that two of our club members lost their lives in the aircraft crash that took place at our airfield in Newtownards last night, the 19th of July, at approx. 20:20," the statement added.
READ MORE: Investigation launched after fatal aircraft crash in Co Down
"The incident is being investigated now by specialist investigators from the PSNI and the Air Accident Investigation Branch of the CAA. Whilst those investigations are ongoing, we can release no further information or details. For further information, please contact the PSNI. Our thoughts at this most terrible time are with the families and friends of the two people involved."
A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) told Belfast Live that their team is on their way to the accident site in Co Down
"An accident involving a light aircraft which occurred last night near Newtownards has been notified to the AAIB," they said.
A PSNI spokesman said: “It was reported to police at 8.20pm that a light aircraft had crashed at the airport. Officers and other emergency services attended the scene.
"Sadly, two people were pronounced dead."
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended, and said no patients were taken from the scene on the Portaferry Road in the town.
A statement said: “NIAS despatched two emergency crews, a doctor and an ambulance officer to the incident.
“No patients were taken from the scene."
Alliance Party councillor Vicky Moore said: "As somebody who lives just under the flight path of the airfield, I know how busy it is but it's very rare we see an incident like this. This is a terrible shock to the community and very sad news for the families affected.
"The airfield is so popular, it is not expected something like this would happen."
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