The world famous Tyrone Crystal factory near Dungannon is to close with the loss of 31 jobs.

Just hours after a local politician sounded alarm bells on the precarious state of the business, the company has said it will be entering "an orderly winding down period of its factory processes".

It had been seeking a buyer in recent weeks, but said there had been no interest in acquiring it as a going concern.

The company had been experiencing a downturn in demand for its products for some time.

In a statement it said: "The company and its management wish to take this opportunity to thank its loyal workforce for their valued contribution over the years and for their support during this difficult period."

Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Michelle Gildernew had previously expressed her solidarity with staff at the Tyrone Crystal plant in Dungannon and has committed herself to doing all that she can to support workers at what she called an "uncertain time".

"Obviously this is a difficult and uncertain time for the workers and their families; I spoke to some of the staff last night who are simply shell-shocked at the uncertainty of what is taking place.

"As MP for the area my immediate priority is to ensure that all those effected, from management through to workers are protected to the best of our ability and I am seeking an urgent meeting with management and staff on this issue to plot out the next course of action," she said, noting that Tyrone Crystal is a community business in the heart of Dungannon.

Speaking before this morning's announcement she said: "We must do all that we can to protect the much needed jobs and tourism potential that derives from it."

(BMcC/GK)