Tributes have been paid to a young father who died after being found badly injured lying behind a shopping centre in Co Down.
Ryan Anderson (28) who was married with a young daughter, was discovered at the rear of the Flagship Centre in Bangor at 9.30am.
It is thought the Portavogie man was lying prone at the scene in the Bingham Street area for most of the night.
He was rushed to hospital but later died. Police said it is not yet known how he sustained the fatal injuries.
Mr Anderson’s second cousin is DUP Ards borough councillor Robert Adair.
“I would like to pay tribute to Ryan,” Mr Adair said.
“He was a hard working husband and father who was well thought of throughout the village of Portavogie.
“My thoughts are with his wife Nicky and daughter Lola, his parents William and Helen and brother David.
“The whole community is in shock. I would like to assure the family of my thoughts and prayers.
“Ryan was just a hard working young man who lived for his family.”
Mr Adair’s party colleague and North Down representative Alex Easton said people in Bangor were also stunned.
“I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear of this man’s death in the Bingham Street area,” he said.
“My thoughts and condolences go to his family.
“Coming in the lead up to Christmas will make it all the more difficult for his loved ones. This is a real tragedy.”
Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward. It is understood Mr Anderson had spent part of the evening socialising at a party.
PA