A 12-year-old girl has died after a tragic accident moments after getting off her school bus in Co Londonderry.
The incident happened in Castledawson on Wednesday afternoon.
Police said the girl was struck by a car after exiting the school bus on the Hillhead Road shortly after 4pm.
The girl is a first year pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt.
Education officials say a specialist team is providing support to students and staff, describing the tragedy as an “unimaginable loss”.
The young girl was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident, but passed away.
The PSNI has appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward.
Inspector Adair said: “There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.
“I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal. This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.
“The Hillhead Road in Castledawson has reopened following this serious collision and our investigation continues.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call just before 4pm.
“NIAS despatched one emergency crew, a rapid response paramedic, and an ambulance officer. The charity air ambulance with HEMS on board were also tasked to the incident.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children by Ambulance.”
Local SDLP councillor Denise Johnston said it was the second tragedy to hit the Castledawson community in recent weeks.
“It’s terrible news and I would ask everyone in the community to keep the family in their prayers,” she said.
“It’s not the first time a similar accident has happened in this area.
“I can recall at least two other incidents of a similar nature.”
At the start of February Imogen Cleary-Vong (15), a pupil at St Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt, passed away in hospital after being reported missing in the water of Moyola River in Castledawson.
Ms Johnston added: “Just a few weeks ago this community was learning of the death of another young schoolgirl.
“To be here again in the midst of another family tragedy is hard to believe.”
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said staff were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the latest tragedy.
“Our sincere condolences are with the family, friends, fellow pupils and staff at the school, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” they said.
“The EA’s critical incident response team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff.”
They said the family, school and wider community will need “time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss”.
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News Catch Up – Tuesday 4 March