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A young doctor has died at his Belfast apartment after falling ill with suspected coronavirus.

Muhanad Noward Eltayib worked as a registrar at the Royal Victoria Hospital and had been self isolating with flu-like symptoms before his death, says a doctor who knew him.

It is understood the 36-year-old's dad raised the alarm with a friend of Muhanad's after being unable to reach the "vibrant and full of life" young doctor over the weekend.

Police then found him at his Donegall Quay apartment today.

Reem Bakheit, who studied medicine alongside the 36-year-old in his home country of Sudan, told Belfast Live: "No one can prepare you for a loss, it comes like a swift wind.

"He was very fit and healthy no medical issues at all - very young, vibrant and full of life.

"Me and Muhanad went to the same medical school," she added.

"I just received the news today like many other Sudanese doctors in Ireland and it was shocking and heartbreaking for all of us.

"We just lost a kind white (pure) hearted soul but he will never be lost in our memories and thoughts of him.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family. Surely we belong to Allah and to him shall we return."

Reem said a Whats App message from Muhanad's father, also a doctor, said the 36-year-old "was feeling unwell for the last two weeks (with) flu like symptoms so he self isolated for a while at his apartment in Belfast."

But it is unclear when Muhanad fell ill or how long he had been self isolating. His cause of death is also unknown at this stage.

"His family, which lives in Saudi Arabia lost contact with him yesterday," Reem added.

"His dad, who is also a doctor in Saudi Arabia contacted Muhanad's friend to check on him because Muhanad wasn't responding to their calls.

"His friend - because he lives in Dublin and couldn't reach to him quickly at Belfast - contacted the police and they broke in to his apartment and found him."

A PSNI spokesperson said: "Police attended the scene of the sudden death of a man at an apartment in the Donegall Quay area of Belfast on Monday 20 April.

"The death is not believed to be suspicious."

Many have paid tribute to Muhanad following his tragic death.

Belfast city councillor and health worker, Paul McCusker, said: "This is very sad news for Belfast and Northern Ireland.

"It’s very difficult being away from family and having to make huge changes in your life being part of dedicated teams in the NHS working long hours to save lives while risking your own.

"As a city our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of this doctor who’s dedication, care and compassion he give others will never be forgotten."

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has also extended his condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Royal Victoria Hospital doctor, Muhanad Nowar Eltayib.

The West Belfast MP said: "I was saddened tonight when I heard about the death of doctor Muhanad Nowar Eltayib who has passed away.

"He was originally from Sudan and worked as a cardiac surgeon in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

"Like many in our health service, he worked tirelessly and heroically in challenging circumstances to care for the most vulnerable during this pandemic.

"We owe him we great deal of gratitude for this.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences and those of the community of West Belfast to his family, friends and colleagues, particularly all those who worked with him in the Royal Victoria Hospital battling Covid-19."

Noel Carson from Unison, posted on Facebook: "UNISON RVH are saddened too.

"May his soul rest in peace and condolences to his family and friends."

The Belfast Trust and Department for Health have been contacted for comment.

A Trust spokesperson said: "We are saddened to have learned of the death of our esteemed colleague.

"We send out our deepest sympathies to his family and colleagues at this difficult time."