Mourne Mountains deaths: Two men die in separate falls in Northern Ireland

Police say the deaths are not being treated as suspicious

Sunday 13 January 2019 19:12 GMT
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Two men have died in separate falls while walking in Northern Ireland, police said.

The fatal incidents occurred within an hour of each other on Sunday in the Mourne Mountains in County Down.

Police Service of Northern Ireland 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 officer said the deaths were not being treated as suspicious.

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Another man was injured in a third falling incident later on Sunday.

Inspector 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 PSNI’s Air Support unit described the recovery and rescue operations as “tough and challenging”.

“In strong winds we managed to airlift one male out but sadly the two others had died,” the unit tweeted. ”Our thoughts are with their loved ones.”

PSNI deputy chief constable Stephen Martin said: “Sincere sympathy to the families of the two men who died. Also a heartfelt thanks to my colleagues and the other emergency services who responded to these tragic events. We are very proud of you & truly appreciate what you do in the service of others.”

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

In August 2017 around 40 army cadets from Middlesbrough had to be rescued from the Mourne Mountains after getting into difficulties in bad weather.

Sixteen of the group, aged between 12 and 17, were treated for hypothermia.

Additional reporting by Press Association

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