Shock at Bangor overdose death

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 30th Aug 2005

Young Alliance Chairman, Ian Parsley, has expressed his shock about the tragic death of young Bangor man Matthew Lyle from a suspected overdose.

The North Down Councillor stated, "It is with great shock and sadness I hear of the passing of Mr Lyle, from a well-known North Down family. I would also put on record my admiration for his close family circle, who did so much to stand by him.

"The young man's father, Mr David Lyle, has correctly identified the scourge of those drug dealers who choose to prey on young people. This only highlights the danger many young people -- from all kinds of backgrounds -- face today. The simple fact is that drug dealing can lead to death and devastation.

"This family had done nothing to deserve this. Mr Lyle was clearly a remarkable young man with so much to offer. Let us hope at the very least that his loss, far too early in life, leads to people having a serious rethink about a life in drug dealing. The horrifying outcome is clear for all to see."

ENDS