Former TV presenter dies after car enters water in Co Down

A former UTV presenter, Brian Black has died after his car plunged into Strangford harbour on Tuesday morning. In his 70s, Mr Black was freed from the car and taken to hospital, but later died.

Known for his reporting on environmental issues, Mr Black’s death was met with shock by former colleagues and friends: “He was a special man, great communicator with a special passion for improving our environment,” said UTV’s political editor, Ken Reid.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) – along with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, coast guard and RNLI – were helped by members of the public after the alarm was raised shortly before noon

“The coast guard helicopter carried out an aerial search, while NIFRS specialist rescue team and the RNLI carried out search on the water to make sure there were no other casualties,” he said.

Mr Black was taken by ambulance to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, where he later died. – PA