Carla Lockhart said:

“We have all watched with horror as the aftermath of the horrific earthquake in Turkey and Syria unfolds. The death toll is continuing to rise, with a loss of life which is hard to comprehend.

Obviously every effort must be made to search the rubble and it is amazing that people from Northern Ireland are now in Turkey and Syria helping with these vital operations. It was an honour to meet Kyle and Siobhan Murray from just outside Portadown who, along with their beautiful dog Delta, are now assisting in this dangerous work. They have travelled with their friend Ryan Gray and his dog Max, who are also assisting in the operation.

Obviously our thoughts are with them as they undertake this work and we trust they will remain safe. It is a testament to their character that they are willing to put themselves in harms way, to do this vital work.”