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Stormont Assemblyman Alex Easton’s elderly parents were discovered in their burning Bangor home after community nurses raised the alarm.
Lake and Ann Easton were found at the property after care workers, who used to visit the couple most mornings, opened fire in the front room of the separate property.
Mr Easton’s mother and father died after a fire broke out at the property in the Dalemount Park area of Bangor on Monday morning.
Alec Easton, an amputee, was found at the rear of the property where it is believed he may have been trying to raise the alarm. They were both suffering from heavy smoke inhalation.
The couple, aged in their 80s, were treated for injuries but both died at the scene.
Police were alerted at around 8.45 am and attended along with fire brigade and ambulance personnel.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Mr Easton, an independent unionist legislator, was formerly a long-serving member of the DUP. The representative for North Down is leaving the party in 2021.
He had visited the spot shortly after the fire broke out. Close to his parents, his father Alec would call him daily.
Neighbors say he lived in the street for about 30 years and was well known in the area but due to old age and multiple health problems in recent years he spent most of his time at home.
A family statement released through Alex Easton said: “It is with great regret that we lost our beloved parents Alec Easton and Ann Easton today.
“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 that the privacy of the family be respected to allow us the time and space as we deal with our loss.
“As a family we are grateful for all the prayers and messages of condolence we have received. More information regarding funeral arrangements to follow.
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A fire broke out in the Dalemount Park area of Bangor. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
Aidan Jennings, Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The thoughts and sympathies of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service are with the loved ones of a couple in their 80s who have sadly lost their lives in a house fire. Died. This morning in Bangor.
“At 8.44am this morning, firefighters were called to a report of a fire at a detached house in Dalymount Park, Bangor.
“Five appliances and 19 firefighters from Bangor, Donaghadee, Newtownards and Holywood fire stations were quickly on the scene. Firefighters extinguished the fire after rescuing two people from the house.
“Paramedics administered first aid to the casualties, but tragically they died at the scene.
“Firefighters left the scene at 12.33am and the cause of the fire is under investigation.”
A PSNI spokesman said: “This sad news will come as a huge blow to the local community and our thoughts are with their loved ones at this difficult time. An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire and our officials are making inquiries in the area.
“We would appeal to anyone who has information which could assist with our investigation to call us.”
There was a tight police guard at the house on Monday evening.
Fire investigators could be seen working inside the property as they attempted to establish the cause of the fire.
The front glass of the house was blown out by the flames.
A neighbor said: “It’s such a terrible tragedy, they were a lovely couple, quiet and kept to themselves. I haven’t seen much of them over the years but they had people calling. Phone in the morning It was the nurses who called the fire brigade.
“There was no scream or noise. First we came to know when the fire brigade reached the street.
“We are all really devastated for the family. Losing one parent is bad enough but two in such terrible circumstances – it’s just sad.
Alex Maskey, Speaker of the Stormont Assembly, said: “I would like to express our sympathies on behalf of myself and the Assembly to Alex Easton and his family circle following the tragic death of Alex’s parents. Such a heartbreaking Words are insufficient in the wake of the loss. I know many members of the assembly community and staff at Parliament House are shocked by this news and their thoughts are with the Easton family.”
DUP leader Sir Geoffrey Donaldson expressed his sympathies to the Easton family.
“I spoke to Alex earlier today and expressed my sympathies to him at this time of unimaginable grief and assured him of our prayerful support,” he added.
“The thoughts of everyone within the DUP are with him and his wider family as they struggle to come to terms with this enormous loss.”
DUP North Down MLA Stephen Dunn said: “I would like to offer my sympathies and support to Alex and his family at this time. I learned of the incident this morning and would like to pay tribute to the efforts of the emergency services at the scene .
“This has shocked the local community in Bangor and the thoughts and prayers of everyone in the area are with Alex.”
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