A rural community in Co Antrim has been left "devastated" after a farmer was killed in a tragic accident involving a bull.
He has been named locally as James Gibson of Killycarn Road in the Aughafatten area near Broughshane.
Mr Gibson, who was believed to be in his late 60s, was described a "nice quiet man" who was well-known and respected in the area.
It is understood he was married with children.
DUP councillor for the Braid area, Beth Clyde, said: "I really am sorry, I feel for the family's loss, especially at Christmas time".
She added: "It seems to be worse whenever something like this happens at Christmas time, it is a devastating loss for the family and for the district".
A Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesman said they received a report around 8am on Wednesday of "a male having been hit by a bull".
An emergency crew responded as did the Air Ambulance.
"Nobody was taken from the scene," the spokesman added.
A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said it was investigating.