Northern Ireland football fan Darren Rodgers dies in Nice after fall following Euro 2016 match against Poland

The 24-year-old man's death was believed to be accidental

Flowers and a banner are left close to the scene where Darren Rodgers, from Ballymena, died after a fall in Nice in France. (PA)

A Northern Ireland fan has died in France after falling over a railing in an apparent accident hours after his team's match against Poland.

Darren Rodgers, 24, was in Nice for the Euro 2016 match and was alone at the time of the accident.

He died after falling on to a rocky part of the city’s famous Castel Plage beach from the Promenade des Anglais, Nice Matin reported.

In a joint statement, Northern Ireland's first and deputy First Ministers, Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness, said they learnt of the tragic accident with "great shock and sadness".

"The loss of a young life in these circumstances is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time," they added.

“This sad news is in stark contrast to the jovial carnival atmosphere just hours before at the game against Poland.”

Paul Frew, the DUP representative for North Antrim said he had spoken to Mr Rodgers on Sunday and described him as a “great lad with a big heart”.

“Darren played for Braid Utd. Would have ran through a brick wall for his mates. Whole team is in shock, simply can't believe it,” Mr Frew wrote on Twitter.

Patrick Nelson, the chief executive, of the Irish Football Association, also expressed his condolences.

Superintendent Nigel Goddard, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), told the BBC the death was an accident and not related to disorder between fans in the Nice.

There were reports of attacks on Northern Ireland fans by “ultras” in Nice ahead of the match that Poland won 1-0.

Riot police intervened in fights between different groups following violence that left an England fan in a critical condition in Marseille.

Uefa has started disciplinary proceedings against Russia’s football federation following three consecutive days of violence that culminated in chaotic scenes inside the Stade Velodrome stadium on Saturday.

The disorder, which is the worst at an international tournament since the 1998 World Cup and has sparked a ban on alcohol near Euro 2016 venues and fan zones.

A spokesperson for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Nice, France. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

"We are in close contact with local authorities in Nice to find out further details of his death."