A well-respected businessman has died following a tragic farm accident outside Larne.
Tom Topping, owner of Topping Meats, died in the incident on Rectory Road on the morning of Monday, August 8.
He has been described as a "well-respected local businessman" whose passing will have a huge impact on the area.
Read more: Man dies following a 'suspected farming accident' in Co Antrim
Local representatives said their thoughts and prayers are with the family of the deceased at this tragic time.
Mid Antrim MP Sammy Wilson, who is a neighbour of Tom, said that he was a popular family man and hugely influential business owner in the area who employed hundreds of people.
He said: "My thoughts are with the Topping family at this tragic time.
"Tom was well-known around the area and employed hundreds of people through Topping Meats and will have dealt with most of the farmers too. He was a very well-respected businessman.
"He was a very good neighbour to me and would always stop to talk to you when you were driving past and would do the same with everyone else in the area. You could see the way that he interacted with people that he was very well-known.
"Tom was very close with his family, with many of them being in the family business and this tragedy will have a huge impact on them as they grieve his loss. Their father was there with them in the morning and he was gone by lunchtime."
Alderman, Paul Reid said: "My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this sad time.
"My thoughts are also with the farming community. It is important to be extremely careful when using farming machinery."
Councillor Geraldine Mulvenna said: "My heart goes out to the family. This is such a tragedy."
The emergency services were called to the incident following reports of a sudden death.
It has been alleged that Mr Topping died as a result of a farming accident and his death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
Police have said the Health and Safety Executive has been informed and they will support them in their investigation.
A PSNI spokesperson: "Police are currently at the scene of the sudden death of a man in his 70s in the Rectory Road area of Larne.
"The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
"Police have advised the Health and Safety Executive, and will provide assistance with their investigation.
"The road currently remains closed with diversions in place, and motorists are asked to seek an alternative route if possible."
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