Newtownards fold fire claims life of man as PSNI issue appeal

A man has died after a fire at a sheltered accommodation complex in Newtownards on Tuesday.

Emergency services were called to the scene of a blaze at Scrabo Fold in the Tower Court area at around 6pm on March 25.

Residents were evacuated from the area as the PSNI put cordons in place to assist members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended to the fire.

Read more: Newtownards fire sees residents evacuated as emergency services attend blaze

The NIAS attended to people at the scene for smoke inhalation but no one was taken from the scene on Tuesday evening.

On Wednesday, the PSNI confirmed a man died as a result of the fire, and two othe residents were treated for smoke inhalation. In a statement, a police spokesperson said: "Police can confirm that a man has died following a fire at Scrabo Fold in Newtownards on Tuesday 25th March.

"Police received a report of a fire at a flat in the fold shortly after 6.15pm on Tuesday evening. Emergency Services attended but unfortunately the man was found deceased at the scene. Two other residents were treated for smoke inhalation but there were no further reports of any serious injuries. An investigation into the cause of the fire has now commenced."

An NIAS spokesperson said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 18:09 on Tuesday 25 March following reports of a fire incident in the Tower Court area of Newtownards.

"NIAS despatched 2 Emergency crews to the incident. Following assessment and treatment at the scene, no patients were taken to hospital."

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service has been contacted for comment.

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