Heartache as man, 50s, dies after being struck by car in Co Down and cops issue witness plea amid digital footage search

A MAN has died after being struck by a car in Co Down.

The pedestrian, aged in his 50s, sadly passed away at the scene of the crash on the Kempe Stones Road in Newtownards yesterday evening.

The PSNI rushed to the scene alongside other members of the emergency services shortly before 7pm.

The road was closed for some time but has since reopened.

An investigation has been launched into the crash and the PSNI is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

Inspector Dave Stewart from the Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report at around 6.50pm on Tuesday evening of a collision involving a car and a male pedestrian.

“Officers attended, supported by colleagues from partner emergency services, however, the pedestrian, a man aged in his 50s, was confirmed dead at the scene.

“The Kempe Stones Road was closed for some time but has now reopened.

“We are investigating the circumstances of this collision and are particularly keen to hear from persons who witnessed the incident or hold digital footage which may assist with our enquiries.

“This includes dash-cam, mobile, CCTV or other material.  Please contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1284 10/02/26.”

Separately, gardai are appealing for witnesses after an elderly man was killed in a collision in Tipperary on Sunday afternoon.

The single-vehicle crash occurred shortly after 2.15pm on the R660 Holycross to Ballycahill road.

The elderly man has been named locally as Pat Skehan, 71, who was a publican in Holycross village.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Locals said Pat “was an absolute gentleman and was a prominent businessman locally”.

‘PARTICULARLY TRAGIC’

One line of inquiry being pursued is that the man may have suffered a medical event.

Paying tribute, Independent TD Michael Lowry, who lives in Holycross, said: “Pat was well known locally. He was a local publican and was a reserved man with a quiet disposition.

“He had successfully fought cancer over the last two years so it is particularly tragic that he should die in these circumstances.”

Gardai are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam and were travelling on the R660 at Holycross around the time of the collision are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Thurles Garda Station on (0504) 25100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.