Peter Robinson: Northern Ireland's first minister in hospital after suspected heart attack

First Minister Peter Robinson — First Minister of Northern Ireland Peter Robinson is believed to have suffered a heart attack. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

Northern Ireland's first minister has been admitted to hospital after suffering a suspected heart attack.

Peter Robinson, 66, was taken to the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, after falling ill at around 9am.

The BBC reports he was then transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital. He is currently undergoing tests.

A spokesman for the Democratic Unionist Party said: "The First Minister felt unwell this morning and has been admitted to the hospital for some further tests."

His family has requested privacy at this stage and there are no further details about his condition.

Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness send his well-wishes over Twitter: "My thoughts and prayers are with him, Iris and family," he said.

Further messages of support came from David Cameron, Nicola Sturgeon and Gerry Adams, who said: "I hope he is OK."

Robinson, who is the leader of the right-wing Democratic Unionist Party, has been Northern Ireland's first minister since 2008, after succeeding Ian Paisley.