An SDLP councillor has reacted to the “tragic death” of a pensioner following a house fire in Antrim on Tuesday.
The PSNI said the blaze happened in the Oakglen area of the town in the early hours of the morning.
SDLP Antrim councillor Roisin Lynch said: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of this man following his tragic death.
“It is always heartbreaking to lose a loved one, but circumstances like these make it all the more difficult. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
“I’d also like to praise our fire service for their response to this fire and their attempts to save this man. I know this will have been a very difficult experience for those involved and the important work they do in our community each and every day should never be forgotten.”
In a statement a PSNI spokesperson said: “Police can confirm that a man aged in his 80s has died following a fire at a residential property in the Oakglen area of Antrim on Tuesday, 11th February.
“Police were notified of the fire at around 4.00am, and attended along with colleagues from other emergency services.
“Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service extinguished the blaze but, sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Enquiries are ongoing; however at this stage, it is not believed that the death is suspicious.”
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “The thoughts and sympathies of NIFRS are with the loved ones of a man who died following a house fire in the Oakglen area of Antrim earlier today.
“On Tuesday 11 February at 3.51am, Firefighters were called to reports of a fire on the first floor of a residential property. 2 Fire Appliances from Antrim Fire Station and 1 Fire Appliance from Ballymena Fire Station attended the incident.
“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 1 hose reel and 1 jet to extinguish the fire. Firefighters rescued a man from the house who sadly passed away.
“Firefighters left the scene at 5.40am and the cause of the fire is believed to be accidental at this time.”
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