Victims fell in separate incidents within an hour of each other in Northern Ireland

This article is more than 1 year old

This article is more than 1 year old

Two men have died in separate falls in the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland.

The fatal incidents occurred within an hour of each other on Sunday afternoon.

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) 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.”

Police said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious.

Another man was injured in a fall later on Sunday. McCullough added: “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.”

The mountains are classified as an area of outstanding natural beauty and are popular with hill walkers.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard expressed his condolences to the families of the two men. “The tragic news that two men died today while walking in the Mournes will have shocked the entire local community,” said the Sinn Fein representative.

“I’d like to commend Mountain Rescue and the emergency services who responded to today’s incidents and who also rescued a third walker who got into difficulties elsewhere in the Mournes.

“My thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of those who tragically died in these incidents in the Mournes today.”

The PSNI’s air support unit described the recovery and rescue operations as “tough and challenging”. A tweet said: “In strong winds we managed to airlift one male out but sadly the two others had died. Our thoughts are with their loved ones.”