Community devastated after body found at rear of shopping centre

Tributes have been paid to a young father who died after being found badly injured lying behind a shopping centre.

One time fisherman 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 Ards borough councillor Robert Adair.

"I would like to pay tribute to Ryan," said the DUP representative.

"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.

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Page 2: 17:38It is understood Mr Anderson had spent part of the evening socialising at a party.

Alliance Party Strangford Assembly member Kieran McCarthy passed on his condolences.

"The community is in total shock that such a young man just starting out in life has lost his life, particularly as he had a young daughter," he said.

"Whatever the circumstances of this incident, it is an absolute tragedy for this to visit to anyone's doorstep at this time of year."