‘Unspeakable tragedy' – communities in mourning after girl (16) and boy (12) die in separate road accidents
North Down has been plunged into mourning after two young people passed away following separate road collisions in Co Down on Tuesday night.
Teenager Jaidyn Rice died after being struck by a car in Bangor.
The 16-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene on the West Circular Road, with police being called at 10.55pm.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirmed it received a 999 call at 10.56pm.
Officers are now appealing for dash cam footage and witnesses in relation to the incident.
In a separate tragedy just a few minutes later, a 12-year-old boy in Portaferry, who has not yet been publicly named, was killed following a collision between a car and his scooter.
The incident occurred in the Strand area of the town, and a 51-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of related offences.
He remains in the PSNI's custody at this time.
Collision Investigation Unit Inspector Cherith Adair 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.'
Strangford MLA Kellie Armstrong said the deaths are 'senseless tragedies'.
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'I want to first extend my heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of these two young people,' the Alliance representative continued.
'The local communities in both Portaferry and Bangor woke up today in shock at what's happened, but I have no doubt they will rally behind the families at such an unimaginably difficult time.
'The onus is on anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car to drive safely and responsibly, and to see the needless loss of two young lives, one of which is being investigated as reckless driving, is as infuriating as it is heartbreaking.'
Tributes on social media have described Jaidyn as a beautiful, compassionate, and kind-hearted young woman.
Ards and North Down Mayor Gillian McCollum said that she was 'a cherished North Down Community Network (NDCN) leader and made an enormous impact in her local community in her short and precious life'.
'I am heartbroken for her family and friends, for the Clandeboye community and most of all for Jaidyn, who had a whole, beautiful life ahead of her,' Cllr McCollum added.
'I am also aware that another family in Portaferry suffered the devastating loss of a child in a car accident… another unspeakable tragedy.
'The whole borough grieves with both these families and offers its thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathies.'
Jaidyn was a young leader within the NDCN, which helps provide infrastructure and resources for the community and voluntary sector organisations in North Down. Bangor Brainiacs, a local tutoring organisation, also paid their respects, and said they will now be stocking free reflective arm bands for their students 'to try to help keep our young people safe crossing our roads'.
'We know these cannot prevent speeding drivers, but anything to help protect our children is the least we can do,' the group stated.
Portaferry-based councillor Joe Boyle said: 'It is an absolute tragedy whenever such an incident takes place, affecting so many families within the community, but more so whenever it involves such a young person.' Councillor Boyle added that the incidents are of particular sadness, given that the summer holidays have just begun for so many young people.
In total, four people have died following road traffic collisions in the North Down region over the last month.
Philip McClelland (36), from the Newtownards area, died following a single-vehicle motorcycle collision on the Portaferry Road on Sunday, June 29.
The following day, on Monday, June 30, Peter Kelly (34) died after a separate single-vehicle crash involving a scrambler on the Comber Road in Newtownards. Mr Kelly had been local to the area.
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