Elderly man who collided with lorry and was discovered dead several miles away in Co Down named locally

Mr Buggea, who was in his 70s, had been carried for several miles after he was struck by a white HGV Renault lorry in The Square, Ballynahinch, on Monday.

Police were called after the man’s body was found at quarry premises on Newcastle Road, Seaforde, shortly after 4pm the same day.

Mark Murnin, who owns Paddy Kelly’s pub in Ballynahinch, said Mr Buggea was “a lovely man” and said he came across a shoe lying on the road on Monday.

“It’s only when I got a call from police that two and two were put together,” he told the BBC.

According to Mr Murnin, Mr Buggea was originally from Sicily.

Inspector Cherith Adair from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “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.”

The roads affected have now reopened.

“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.”

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said crews had attended a “serious incident”.

Sinn Féin’s South Down MP Chris Hazzard said: “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.

“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.”

DUP councillor Jonny Jackson said it had been a “very sad day in Ballynahinch”.

“I’m thinking of the family that has been bereaved in such tragic circumstances, and thankful to the police and emergency services who had to deal with a very difficult situation last night.”

Alliance councillor David Lee-Surginor also paid tribute to the victim: “My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the man who tragically passed away.

“I extend my gratitude to the NIAS and PSNI for their swift response to the incident. While we wait for the PSNI to conclude their investigation into the circumstances of this tragedy, my thoughts are with everyone who was involved in the incident, as I’m sure it was traumatising for everyone involved.”

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – April 10th

On Monday afternoon, the PSNI said several roads were closed in Ballynahinch town centre, including the junction of Harmony Road and Windmill Street, Church Street, Church Road, Dromore Road and Dromore Street, due to a road traffic incident.

The A24 Newcastle Road in Seaforde was also closed with local diversions in place.

A spokesperson for the NIAS said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 4.12pm on Monday following reports of an incident in the Newcastle Road area of Seaforde.

“NIAS despatched two emergency crews to the incident.

“No patients were transported to hospital.”