David Ervine, leader of the loyalist Progressive Unionist Party in the North, died in hospital today.

Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine died today in a Belfast hospital aged 53, according to a family friend.

The leader of the North's Progressive Unionist Party is fighting for his life in hospital after he suffered a reported two heart attacks and a stroke at the weekend.

Progressive Unionist Party leader David Ervine remains in a critical condition in the Royal Victoria hospital in Belfast tonight.

David Ervine, one of the North's leading loyalist politicians, was tonight fighting for his life in hospital.