Peter Robinson: Northern Ireland's First Minister admitted to hospital after suspected heart attack

The 66-year-old DUP leader was admitted on Monday morning

Peter Robinson is believed to be undergoing tests for a heart-related illness (Getty Images)

The First Minister of Northern Ireland is in hospital after a suspected heart attack.

Peter Robinson, 66, was admitted to Ulster Hospital in Dundonald shortly after 9am today and then transferred to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, the BBC reported.

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

Details of his condition were not known but fellow politicians have been tweeting their support, including the Prime Minister.

David Cameron sent his "best wishes" to Mr Robinson and said he hopes he recovers quickly.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon also hoped for a "speedy recovery" and Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams said he hoped Mr Robinson was "ok".

Martin McGuinness, the Sinn Féin deputy First Minister, said he was "concerned" to hear of his rival's illness and sent his "thoughts and prayers" to his wife and family.

Mike Nesbitt, leader of the Ulster Unionists, wished Mr Robinson a "full and speedy recovery".

He has been the First Minister of Northern Ireland since 2008 and was the MP for Belfast East from 1979 to 2010.

Mr Robinson has faced controversy over alleged links with loyalist militias, his views on homosexuality and a scandal concerning his wife's affair with a 19-year-old man.

Iris Robinson who had an affair with a 19-year-old, pictured with husband Peter (PA)

The revelations in 2010 caused Mr Robinson to briefly step down as First Minister and his wife to resign as an MLA.

An inquiry completed last year found that Iris Robinson broke Assembly rules by failing to register payments from property developers but that the First Minister did not breach the code of conduct.

Additional reporting by PA