Newtownards air crash: Philip Murdock and Caroline Mawhinney killed

The crash happened at Newtownards Airport

Philip Murdock and Caroline Mawhinney have been named locally as the victims of a light aircraft crash in Newtownards, County Down.

They were both members of Ulster Flying Club and died in the crash at Newtownards Airport shortly after 20:20 BST on Tuesday evening.

Mr Murdock was the managing director of security firm Envision Intelligent Solutions in Craigavon, County Armagh.

Ms Mawhinney, 44, was a mother-of-two who lived just outside Newtownards.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and air accident investigators have launched separate investigations.

Johnson Controls, an American-Irish conglomerate that bought Envision earlier this year, paid tribute to Mr Murdock as a "passionate and charismatic" colleague.

In a statement, the company said: "The team at Envision are a close-knit team and we are supporting them and Philip's family through this difficult time as best we can.

"Our thoughts are with his wife, his parents, his wider family and of course, his Envision team."

A spokesperson for the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said it had sent a team of inspectors to the accident site.

• Separate investigations after two die in air crash

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is investigating on behalf of the coroner.

Fire engines and ambulances responded to the crash in Newtownards, County Down

A PSNI spokesperson said its investigation was separate from the AAIB's and appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash or has footage to contact them.

On Wednesday, the Ulster Flying Club confirmed "with great sadness and regret" that two members had died in the crash.

"Our thoughts at this most terrible time are with the families and friends of the two people involved," it added.