Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has offered his sympathy to the family of Timothy Cathcart who died in the Ulster Rally yesterday.

DUP Fermanagh-south Tyrone MLA Arlene Foster said the 20-year-old’s death is “tragic” for his family and the motor sport fraternity across Northern Ireland.

“My thoughts and prayers are with this young man’s family and friends,” she said.

Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, also an Assembly member for the area, said: “The young man is from a very well known and respected local family.” “It is so sad that he has died while doing something he enjoyed so much. I wish to add my deepest sympathies to his family and indeed the wider racing fraternity. We also think about the co-driver and hope that he can make a full recovery,” said Mr. Elliott.

Sports Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: "It is a tragedy when any sportsman loses their life in competition".

She added: “I trust rally organisers will cooperate fully with the authorities in the investigation of this accident".

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of Timothy at this time. I am also thinking of the co-driver Dai Roberts who has been taken to hospital and wish him a full and speedy recovery from his injuries," she said.

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