Girl, 12, dies after being hit by car as she got off school bus
A 12-year-old girl has died after being struck by a car after getting off a school bus.
The collision happened outside the village of Castledawson in Co Londonderry on Wednesday afternoon, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said.
The girl was hit by the car after exiting the bus on the Hillhead Road shortly after 4pm.
A PSNI spokesperson said: 'There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.
'I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal.
'This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.'
The Hillhead Road was closed following the collision but it had reopened by Thursday morning.
A spokesperson for Northern Ireland's Education Authority (EA) said: 'We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of a pupil following a road traffic incident which occurred on the Hillhead Road, outside Castledawson yesterday afternoon.
'Our sincere condolences are with the family, friends, fellow pupils and staff at the school, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
'The EA's Critical Incident Response Team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff.
'We would kindly ask that the family, school and wider community are afforded the time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss.
'A PSNI investigation into the serious collision is ongoing.'
Local councillor for the area Denise Johnston said the community was heartbroken.
'We are so very saddened by the news that another young girl from Castledawson has died,' said the SDLP representative.
'The community is in absolute shock at this tragedy.
'Our children are so precious to us, there is no pain greater than losing them.
'This is every parent's worst nightmare and I cannot even imagine what they are going through at this time.
'My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this girl and everyone who knew her. I know the good people of Castledawson will rally around them in the days and weeks ahead to support them as they come to terms with this devastating loss.'
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