Man, 71, killed after crashing into petrol station shop in Co Tyrone pictured as ‘heartbroken’ community tribute shared

A MAN has died after his car crashed into a Spar petrol station shop in Co Tyrone this afternoon.

He has been named as Gerard ‘Jock’ Rafferty, 71, who was from the Coalisland area.

The PSNI said they received a report of the incident in the Moor Road area of Clone, Co Tyrone at round 12.20pm.

He was taken to hospital after the incident but died a short time later, police said.

The Moor Road remains closed between Washingbay Road and Gortgonis Road.

Sinn Féin MLA for Mid Ulster, Linda Dillon, told the BBC: “This is a member of our community, it is somebody who people know and love and care deeply about.

“The family are well known, they are very much a loved family in this community and I know the community will be heartbroken for them.”

She continued: “This is a very close tight-knit community and I know that the community will rally round all those involved.”

Chief Inspector Simpson from the collision investigation unit said: “Police received a report at around 12.20pm that a car had crashed into a shop in the Moor Road area and struck a member of the public.”

“Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene.

“However, Mr Rafferty sadly passed away a short time afterwards.

“The Moor Road remains closed to road-users between Washingbay Road and Gortgonis Road.

“Our inquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 651 of January 28.”