Inquest into hostel fire deaths

The men were staying in the Morning Star hostel

An inquest is due to begin into the deaths of two men in a fire at a hostel in west Belfast two years ago.

Hugo Brannigan, 62, and Jim Irvine, 32, were killed in the blaze at the Morning Star hostel, run by the Legion of Mary, on Divis Street in the city, in February 2002.

Mr Brannigan and Mr Irvine were found by fire officers using breathing apparatus.

It was believed that Mr Brannigan might have died after trying to save Mr Irvine, who had a broken leg and was on crutches.

The inquest is due to begin in Thursday.

Hugo Brannigan died in the blaze

The other residents and staff who were in the building when the fire started escaped down a back stairwell.

At the time, the police said there were elements of the circumstances of the blaze that were causing concern, as the fire appeared to have started in three separate places.

However, the police said there was nothing to indicate that it had been started maliciously.

Eighteen men were left homeless by the fire but were to be housed together until new premises was built.