Politicians call for full investigation into Castlerock tragedy

Political representatives yesterday expressed their shock and sorrow at the deaths of two 18-year-old Newtownabbey schoolboys in Castlerock.

Coleraine Mayor Norman Hillis offered his condolences to the families, describing it as a "very sad and tragic accident".

"The young men were holidaying in Castlerock before they received their exam results in August; they had their whole lives ahead of them," he said.

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"I have no doubt that their untimely deaths will be felt throughout their local communities and in the close-knit community of Castlerock today and for some time."

Ulster Unionist East Londonderry MLA David McClarty described the tragedy as a "devastating turn of events" and called for a full investigation into how it happened.

"My thoughts are with the bereaved families, and indeed with the young man who was taken to hospital for treatment," he said.

"This tragedy necessitates a full and thorough investigation. Carbon monoxide poisoning is often considered a 'silent killer' – being odourless, colourless, tasteless – and as such we need to ensure that people protect themselves adequately."

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East Londonderry SDLP MLA John Dallat extended his sympathies to the families of the two boys who died, as well as to the third who is recovering in hospital

"At this time all we can do is lend our support to those who have to face the awful reality that they have been robbed of two young boys in the prime of their lives, waiting for their examination results," he said.

"In time we will know what went wrong that led to this dreadful event and hopefully out of that we can learn what needs to be done to ensure that these kind of events can be prevented in future."

South Antrim DUP MLA Trevor Clarke, who represents the area where the boys live, said the community is in shock.

"Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the McFerran and Davidson families at this time," he said.