Latest: Newly wed Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp confirmed dead in Greece wildfire

Irishman Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp has been confirmed dead after he was reported missing following wildfires in Greece.

Latest: Newly wed Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp confirmed dead in Greece wildfire

Latest: Irishman Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp has been confirmed dead after he was reported missing following wildfires in Greece.

Mr O'Callaghan-Westropp and his wife Zoe Holohan were celebrating their honeymoon when wildfires consumed the coastal town of Mati.

The news was confirmed by Ireland’s Ambassador to Greece Orla O'Hanrahan who said her sympathies went out to Mr O'Callaghan-Westropp's family at this time.

In a statement from the families this evening, they said: "We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of our family member, Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp.

"The families would respectfully appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve and as Zoe makes her recovery.

"Funeral arrangement will be announced at a later stage."

The Tanaiste Simon Coveney has described the death of Mr O'Callaghan-Westropp as a "terrible tragedy".

In a statement, Mr Coveney says he's "deeply saddened" at confirmation of his death - and says the Irish embassy in Athens will continue to provide whatever help is needed.

The newleywed couple, who live in Dublin, were travelling in a vehicle and became separated as they tried to escape the fires

Ms Holohan was able to flee to a nearby beach and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night. She is being treated for burns to her head and hands.

Update: Honeymoon horror: Newlywed Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp still missing after Greek wildfires

Fiachra Ó Cionnaith, Political Correspondent

In Venice, Italy

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is "devastated" to hear an Irish citizen caught up in the Greece wildfires while on honeymoon is missing in a tragedy that has already led to the deaths of at least 79 people and left almost 200 hospitalised.

Speaking in Venice, Italy, on the third day of a four day continental trip to shore up EU support for Ireland's Brexit position, Mr Varadkar said all consular assistance is being given to the man's family and that officials "will do anything we can" to help those involved.

I'm devastated to hear that one of our citizens is missing in Greece as a result of the wildfires. I've been in touch with the Department of Foreign Affairs today just to make sure the ambassador and our people on the ground are providing whatever assistance we can.

"I don't have any particular information on the case at the moment, but I can assure you our embassy team in Ireland are in touch with the Greek authorities and will do anything we can to help support our citizens over there," Mr Varadkar said.

It emerged this morning that newlyweds Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp and Zoe Holohan were caught up in the Greek wildfires in recent days after travelling to the country on their honeymoon.

Mr O Callaghan Westropp is still missing after becoming separated from his new wife on the coastal town of Mati, while Ms Holohan - who works in the advertising department of the Sunday World - remains in a Greek hospital having suffered serious burn injuries.

Earlier: Irish newlyweds caught up in Greek wildfires; groom missing

Update 11.30am: A newly-married Irish couple have been caught up in wildfires that have been sweeping Greece.

Zoe Holohan and Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp became separated as they tried to escape the fires in the coastal town of Mati.

The pair got married at Clonabreany House in Kells, Co Meath, last Thursday before flying out to Greece for their honeymoon on Saturday.

Ms Holohan, who works in advertising for the Sunday World, is in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands, but her husband has not yet been found.

The couple, who live in Dublin, were travelling in a vehicle when they were forced to flee.

Ms Holohan was able to escape to a nearby beach and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.

Newlywed Zoe Holohan is being treated in hospital for burns to her head and hands (Handout/PA)
Newlywed Zoe Holohan is being treated in hospital for burns to her head and hands (Handout/PA)

Around 79 people have died in the forest fires which have raged through Greek villages and holiday resorts.

Blazes started west of Athens near the town of Kineta, while further outbreaks started 18 miles (29km) east of Athens in Rafina.

Hundreds of people ran to beaches as gale-force winds fanned the flames.

Twenty-six of the deaths were groups of families or friends who were found huddled together as they tried to escape.

Earlier: Honeymoon horror: Irish newlyweds caught up in Greek wildfires; Groom remains missing

Fears are rising for an Irish couple caught up in Greek wildfires which have killed at least 79 people.

Newlyweds Brian O'Callaghan-Westropp and Zoe Holohan married last week before flying out to Greece on their honeymoon.

Ms Holohan is now in hospital with burns while her husband is missing.

The couple were separated trying to escape the flames in the holiday resort of Mati outside Athens on Monday.

Franco De Bonis works at Blood Bikes Dublin, where Mr O'Callaghan Westropp is a volunteer.

He says Brian is a very selfless character.

He said:

To some degree, in a situation like this, we are not surprised because he is the type of person that would think of others before thinking of himself.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed it is offering consular assistance to a number of Irish citizens in Greece.

Three days of national mourning are beginning there - prime minister Alexis Tsipras has described the fire as an 'unspeakable tragedy'.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney issued advice for Irish citizens.

He tweeted: “Irish citizens in region should keep up to date with local media and follow advice of Greek authorities in affected areas. Irish citizens affected can contact Irish Embassy in Athens +30 210 723 2771 or my Department +353 1 408 2000.”

President Michael D Higgins said he has written to Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos to express his sympathies with the families of those who have lost their lives and livelihoods in the fires.

He said: “Following my visit to Greece and my meeting with him and the president of Italy and Portugal, I am very conscious of the resilience of the Greek people, who should be assisted by all of us in these difficult times.

“I offered, on behalf of the people of Ireland, our deepest condolences and our solidarity.”

Pat Dawson, CEO of the Irish Travel Agents Association, has advised anyone intending to travel to Greece in the coming days to take precautions.

He said: "Check with your travel agent or tour operator for any advice and also with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Every possible angle should be taken care of and safety is a priority."

Two main fires broke out on Monday, one to the west of Athens near the town of Kineta and one to the north-east near the port of Rafina.

Both were fanned by gale-force winds that hampered firefighting efforts and sent hundreds of people fleeing to beaches, where they were evacuated by boat late at night.

The Rafina fire appears to have been the deadliest by far.

- Digital Desk and Press Association

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