FORMER Welsh Government minister Carl Sargeant has died, less than a week after allegations over his personal conduct caused him to be sacked from his ministerial position.

Police were called to his home in Connah's Quay this morning after receiving reports that a body had been found. North Wales Police have confirmed that Mr Sargeant's body has since been formally identified, and his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Mr Sargeant, 49, a husband and father-of-two, had served as a Welsh Assembly Member since 2003 and had held ministerial positions for the past 10 years prior to his dismissal last week.

Accusations from three women had come to light last week regarding Mr Sargeant's conduct, which also led to his suspension from the Labour Party. It is not yet clear precisely what these allegations were.

In a statement, First Minister Carwyn Jones said Mr Sargeant would be missed by many in the Senedd.

"Carl was a friend as well as a colleague and I am shocked and deeply saddened by his death. He made a big contribution to Welsh public life and fought tirelessly for those he represented both as a minister and as a local Assembly Member.

"He will be a great loss both to our party and to the Senedd. My heartfelt sympathies are with his family at this difficult time."

Vale of Glamorgan MP Alun Cairns also paid respect to Mr Sargeant, saying he was: "shocked and saddened" at hearing of his death, while South Wales AM Andrew RT Davies described the news as "unspeakably sad."

All Welsh Assembly business has been suspended for the day.