Image caption Stephen Clements joined BBC Radio Ulster last September

The BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stephen Clements has died suddenly. He was 47.

The broadcaster had presented the mid-morning Stephen Clements Show on the station since September.

In a statement, Stephen's brother Gavin Clements said: "We are devastated to lose Stephen who was deeply loved by his family and friends.

"We would ask for time to come to terms with this news and for privacy at this difficult time."

The presenter, who was married with two children, began his radio career with Citybeat.

He then hosted Q Radio's Breakfast Show for seven years, before moving to the BBC last year.

Before working in radio, Mr Clements studied geography at university and lived in South Korea for a period teaching English.

BBC Northern Ireland Director Peter Johnston said: "We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements.

"Our thoughts are with Stephen's family, friends and colleagues, at this difficult time."

Friends and colleagues have been quick to pay their respects to Mr Clements, who began his full-time career as a radio presenter in his late thirties and quickly became highly popular.

Writing on Twitter, TV presenter Eamonn Holmes sent his "heartfelt condolences" to the Clements family.

Fellow BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stephen Nolan said his colleague's "warmth on air was a true reflection of the real you - a kind, decent human being with so much natural talent".

Mr Clements was patron of the charity Autism NI, which was among those to post online tributes.

The Mary Peters Trust also paid tribute to Mr Clements.

Politicians have remembered Mr Clements as "a true gentleman" and "incredible talent".

Many tributes have also been paid by members of the public, who have expressed shock at the news of Mr Clements' death.

The Q Radio breakfast show became one of the most-listened to radio programmes in Northern Ireland during his time there.

In June 2019, Mr Clements announced that he was leaving the station to join BBC Northern Ireland.

He subsequently co-presented the BBC NI TV series Open for Summer during the Open Golf Championship in Portrush in 2019.

He also co-hosted BBC Northern Ireland's Children in Need programme in November 2019 with Holly Hamilton.

Mr Clements took over Radio Ulster's mid-morning programme from veteran presenter Sean Coyle in September 2019, saying it had always been his "dream" to work for the BBC.

He is survived by his wife and two children.