Man killed in Ballymoney fire named

It happened at his home on the Bush Road between Ballymoney and Dervock at about 21:00 GMT on Tuesday.

The Fire and Rescue Service said it does not believe there are any suspicious circumstances behind the blaze.

Group Commander Bill Willsdon said investigations into the fire are at an early stage.

“Crews responded from Ballymoney and Coleraine fire stations,” he said.

“On arrival the crews were met with a well developed fire in the house with smoke coming from the front windows.

“Some attempt had been made by local neighbours to get into the house, but they were beaten back by the extent of the fire.

“The crews went in with breathing apparatus and hoses they managed to extinguish the fire and discovered the gentleman inside.”

Commander Willsdon said the property had a smoke alarm and it was this that initially alerted the neighbour to the fire.