Police believe man found dead in Seaforde was hit by lorry in Ballynahinch

A local councillor has said that people in Ballynahinch are 'deeply saddened' after a man who was hit by a lorry in the town was found dead almost eight miles away.

Alliance councillor David Lee-Surginor told UTV about the "tragedy", after the man, aged in his 70s, was found dead in Seaforde at around 4:10pm on Monday.

Police have not released personal details of the victim, and are investigating the death.

Inspector Cherith Adair from the PSNI's collision investigation unit said: “Police received a report of the sudden death of a man at quarry premises in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde at approximately 4.10pm on Monday afternoon, 8 April. “Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from other emergency services. “A number of roads were closed for a time between Seaforde and Ballynahinch town centre in order to enable police enquiries into exactly what occurred. “We understand, sadly, the pedestrian collided with a white HGV Renault lorry a short time earlier in The Square area of Ballynahinch. “He was sadly subsequently discovered already deceased when the lorry stopped at its location in Seaforde. “A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the road traffic collision is currently ongoing. “We would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage available to get in touch. “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have footage of both The Square area in Ballynahinch and the Newcastle Road, Seaforde between 3.30pm and 4pm, to contact us at the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101, quoting reference number 1239 08/04/24.”

Sinn Féin South Down MP Chris Hazzard extended his condolences to the family and friends of the man killed. “It’s tragic news that a man has died in a road traffic collision and I want to firstly extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” he said. “The community is shocked and heartbroken at this incident and I know they will rally around to support the man’s family in what will be difficult days ahead. “I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene and would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to police. “This is another sad reminder of the pressing need to move forward and deliver the Ballynahinch bypass.” Police added: " Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash cam footage from either the Newcastle Road in Seaforde or from Ballynahinch yesterday afternoon, Monday 8th April, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1239 08/04/24.

"Further information in relation to this incident will be provided in due course."

Sinn Fein South Down MP Chris Hazzard extended his condolences to the family and friends of the man killed.

“It’s tragic news that a man has died in a road traffic collision and I want to firstly extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends,” he said.

“The community is shocked and heartbroken at this incident and I know they will rally around to support the man’s family in what will be difficult days ahead.

“I also want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their efforts at the scene and would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to police.

“This is another sad reminder of the pressing need to move forward and deliver the Ballynahinch bypass.”

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