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11-year-old boy dies following County Down crash

Emmet McElhattonBBC News NI
News imageBBC A police car parked across a rural road at a T junction. There are bushes and trees on either side of the road and the sky above is grey. BBC
The Corcreaghan Road, near Kilkeel was closed following incident that resulted in the death of a young boy

An 11-year-old boy has died following a road traffic collision in Kilkeel.

Officers responded to an incident involving a car and a child on the Corcreaghan Road at approximately 08:00 GMT on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) Collision Investigation Unit said: "Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Tragically, the young boy was pronounced deceased a short time later in hospital."

The PSNI are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

Detective Inspector Stewart said police would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with enquiries.

Paying tribute to the young boy who died, DUP South Down assembly member Diane Forsythe said she was "absolutely heartbroken, as is the entire local community, at this tragic news today."

"My deepest condolences are with the entire family circle, as well as many friends, the school family, and the wider community, who are firmly in my thoughts and prayers."

Forsythe added, "The devastating loss of a child is beyond measure, and this one was one of the loveliest there are."

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath described the death as a "heart-breaking tragedy" and said the local community was "shocked and deeply saddened".

"Losing a loved one is never easy, but the loss of a young life in these circumstances is unimaginable," McGrath said.