Two men have died after falling while walking in Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains in two separate incidents, police have said.

Officers received reports of a man who had fallen on Wee Binnian on Sunday lunchtime - an hour before another man fell on Slieve Commedagh.

A third man was rescued after suffering a suspected broken ankle from a fall elsewhere.

PSNI Air Support tweeted that it had been a "tough and challenging day" in "strong winds".

Officers have warned the public to exercise caution in the region popular with hill walkers, according to local media reports.


Image: The fatal incidents happened within an hour of each other

Inspector Frances McCullough said: "Police received a request for assistance after a male was reported to have fallen while walking on Wee Binnian shortly before midday and received a further request for assistance after a male was reported to have fallen while walking on Slieve Commedagh shortly before 1pm.

"Police and other emergency services responded but unfortunately both men died at the scene. The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.

"A third male was also rescued from the mountains with a suspected broken ankle following a fall close to the Saddle at around 2.30pm."