People put aside their political and other differences in an outpouring of sympathy for Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson after he suffered a devastating double blow.
Posting on Twitter this morning, Mayor Anderson confirmed his brother had died in the Royal Liverpool Hospital last night after suffering from severe Covid-19.
The tragedy comes just five weeks after Mayor Anderson lost his other brother, Henry, to cancer.
Yesterday he announced his brother was seriously ill and urged people to watch a video taken from inside the hospital's intensive care unit and to follow the rules on social distancing.
The harrowing video, shared by Liverpool City Council on Friday, lays bare the severity of the coronavirus crisis in Liverpool's hospitals.
After sharing the sad announcement on Twitter, many people sent their support and messages of condolence to the Mayor.
Mark Wantling said: "So sad, just goes to show this virus doesn't care who it affects so everyone should protect themselves and others until a cure is found."
Emma Pearson said: "To lose one member of your family is heartbreaking, but to lose two so close together is just awful. Nobody deserves this heartbreak."
Elise Blundell said: "I hope those minority of selfish people not following the rules and dancing in the streets will begin to realise these rules are there for our safety and the safety of others.
"Not everyone will be as fortunate to survive this virus and those who do may have lasting health problems."
Elizabeth Rice said: "So sad and people are not taking this pandemic seriously."
Belle Caza said: "This virus is very real, my family know because we have a loved one in intensive care now for almost two weeks who is only in his early 50s. People really need to take this situation seriously!"
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Jeanie Roberts said: "Condolences to Mr Anderson and family, feel so sorry for this man and his family, he is doing his best to try and protect us all."
Christina Glover said: "Bill Anderson was a true gent and a lovely man.... truly saddened by this news. Thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time."
Ena Burgess said: "Sending my condolences to Joe on the loss of his beloved brother.
"No family should have to lose two brothers within five weeks of each other.
"My thoughts are also with his beloved brother's wife & family. People need to adhere to the Covid rules, this is not a hoax it's real."
Pauline James said: "Sincere condolences for your loss. Respect for trying hard to deal with local issues on our behalf, whilst dealing with your own personal grief."
Jon Howell said: "Extremely sad news, I don't share his politics, but I know he really does have the people of Liverpool at his heart... he has suffered tremendous family loss these last few weeks."
Theodora Constantinople said: "Even in his time of grief his message to the people of Liverpool to get through this by standing strong to fight Covid is commendable."
