The body of a pensioner has been found beside a pond in county Armagh this morning.
The man was found beside Mill Pond in Bessbrook.
He has been named locally as PJ Mullan.
Dominic Bradley MLA and councillor Kate Loughran said the community of Bessbrook is in shock this morning.
“There is a dark cloud over the village of Bessbrook this morning on the news that a body has been found near the Mill Pond,” said Mr Bradley.
Bessbrook Pond
“Whilst details have not been confirmed by the PSNI at this stage as to what happened, this is sad day for the local community. The community is in deep shock this morning.
Councillor Loughran added: “Even at this early stage, I understand the PSNI are not treating this as a suspicious death. This morning’s news is very sad for the village of Bessbrook. The deceased is a well-known and well-loved member of the local community. This community will rally around the extended family in the weeks and months ahead.”
Councillor Roisin Mulgrew has offered her condolences to the family.
“This is an absolutely heartbreaking tragedy, especially coming so soon after Christmas, a time for family,” she said.
“I’m sure the entire community will join me in offering my condolences to the family and assuring them that we will offer whatever help and assistance we can.
“They are in all our thoughts at this difficult time.”
Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist MLA for Newry & Armagh has expressed his sympathies to the Mullan family.
He said: “I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden and tragic death of the well liked and popular local man whose body was recovered from Bessbrook Pond today.
“I knew the individual very well and lived next door to him for a period. He was a lifelong resident of the village and a much respected figure throughout the entire Bessbrook community.
“This is a devastating loss for his family and I offer my thoughts and prayers to the whole family circle.”
Tragic news emerging from Bessbrook early today. My Sympathy to the family involved
— Danny Kennedy (@DKennedy_UUP) January 13, 2016
