Little Mix have cancelled two concerts in Belfast, Northern Ireland after Jesy Nelson fell ill.

The British girl band were due to play two shows at the city's SSE arena on Thursday, one in the afternoon, and another in the evening.

However they were forced to announce the concerts would not be going ahead minutes after fans had begun to file into the venue for the afternoon performance.

The band released a statement on Twitter apologising to their fans and asking them to await further news on a possible rescheduling.

"Little Mix have unfortunately had to cancel both their arena shows in Belfast today," the statement said.

"Sadly Jesy is unwell and unable to sing, and as a result both the matinee and evening shows are cancelled. Little Mix would like to apologise to their fans. Ticket holders should hold on to their tickets and await further news."

Jesy has been plagued by accidents on the girls' Get Weird tour. Earlier this month (Mar16) she performed in Liverpool, England with a wrist injury.

Fans who had been due to attend the gig expressed their concern for the singer on Twitter, with one user with the handle @Saraheathermaud, writing, "So gutted that @LittleMix's shows has been cancelled but I am more concerned about Jesy's health! I hope you are okay!"

Northern Irish pop lovers have had an unlucky time with concert cancellations recently, as last October (15) boyband One Direction were forced to cancel a show at the same venue after Liam Payne fell sick.

Jesy's health permitting, Little Mix's next performance is scheduled for 2 April (16) at the Sheffield Arena, England.