Former Assembly minister Carl Sargeant found dead

Carl Sargeant was sacked as the Communities Secretary on Friday Credit:

Former Welsh Government minister Carl Sargeant, who was sacked last week after allegations about his personal conduct, has died, a family spokesperson said.

North Wales Police have confirmed that they were called to an address in Connah's Quay on Deeside this morning.

Mr Sargeant is understood to have taken his own life.

Mr Sargeant was sacked from the Welsh Government on Friday and suspended from the Labour party after three women made allegations to the First Minister about his personal conduct.

Our Political Editor, Adrian Masters has been told that this morning Mr Sargeant didn’t know what he was accused of.

He was 49-years-old and had been the AM for Alyn & Deeside since 2003 and served in the Welsh Government for 10 years, first as Chief Whip and then as a cabinet minister.

Mr Sargeant was married and had a son and a daughter.

In a statement, Mr Sargeant's family paid tribute to the "kind and caring father" who was "loved so very much".

"Carl was a much loved husband, father and friend. He wasn’t simply a part of our family. He was the glue that bound us together. He was the heart of our family.

"We loved him so very much. He was the most kind and caring husband, father, son and friend.

"We are devastated beyond words, and we know our grief will be shared by all those who knew and loved him.

"We are in shock and grief."

The Union flag flies at half mast above the Welsh Government building in Cardiff following Mr Sargeant's death. Credit: PA

In a statement, Carwyn Jones described Carl Sargeant as a friend and that his death is "great loss" to the Senedd and Labour party.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said the death of Mr Sargeant was "terrible and deeply shocking news".

Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns said he was "shocked and saddened by the tragic news."

Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, Elin Jones AM said he served the people of "Alyn and Deeside with pride and determination."

A private ambulance leaves the family home on Tuesday. Credit: PA

All business in the Welsh Assembly has been suspended for the day.

Plaid Cymru Leader Leanne Wood said Mr Sargeant made a "significant contribution to Welsh politics."

Speaking on behalf of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Kirsty Williams AM said Mr Sargeant "had a significant impact across political life at a national and community level."

UKIP leader Neil Hamilton said Mr Sargeant was a "gentle giant who will be missed across the party divide."

In a statement, North Wales Police confirmed officers were called to a report that the body of a man had been found at an address in Connah’s Quay.

The force confirmed the man was formally identified as local AM Carl Sargeant and that his next of kin has been informed with police supporting his family.

They are not treating his death as suspicious.