BREAKING NEWS Young boy killed in 'hit-and-run' car and scooter crash: Man, 51, arrested
The child was riding a scooter when he was hit at the Strand area of Portaferry yesterday evening.
The News Letter reported that the 12-year-old was visiting the harbour town with friends but lived in a nearby village on the Ards Peninsula.
He was fatally struck by a red Skoda Fabia and was rushed to hospital after emergency services were called at 11pm.
A middle-aged man was arrested for a number of related offences and despite medical attention, the boy died of his injuries.
DUP MP Jim Shannon for the area said he was 'so distressed' to hear of the accident, adding that 'any death is difficult, but the death of a child just hits that bit harder', according to the News Letter.
The Strand was still closed today as police continued to investigate, with the cops urging the public to come forward if they have any dashcam footage of the devastating crash.
If witnesses had any evidence of the collision they should reach out to Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101, quoting reference number 1788 08/07/25.
The unit's Inspector Cherith Adair for Police Service of Northern Ireland said: 'Shortly after 11pm, it was reported that a red Skoda Fabia and a scooter were involved in the collision.
'A young boy, who was riding the scooter, was taken to hospital but sadly died as a result of his injuries.
'One man aged 51 years old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of related offences.
'He remains in police custody at this time. The Strand remains closed to traffic at this time.
'Enquiries are continuing, and anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have dashcam or other footage which could assist with our investigation, is asked to contact Collision Investigation Unit detectives via 101, quoting reference number 1788 08/07/25.'
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