Pensioner who died in Dromara fire is named

The alarm was raised to the fire on the Dundrum Road at around 3.30am and when the three fire service crews arrived the fire was already “very well developed,” according to Station Commander Mark Maginnes.

“There was a neighbour that had heard the smoke alarm sounding and it was he who raised the alarm,” he said.

“The heat was very intense but [the fire crew] worked very hard and they attacked the fire and were able to enter the property wearing breathing apparatus.”

A PSNI-led investigation will be carried out, but it is believed the fire was accidental.

Police said the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.