19/06/2014

Young Girl Hit By Lorry In East Belfast

A young girl has been taken to hospital after an incident in which she was hit by a lorry in east Belfast.

The 10-year-old was treated at the scene before being taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Police said the child's injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

It has been reported that the girl was cycling in the Upper Newtownards Road area when the crash happened at around 08:45 on Thursday.

Emergency teams including fire crews from Central and Knock attended the scene, which was close to the Tesco Express at Ballyhackamore.

It is understood that the incident was dealt with at around 09:10. Police closed the road to traffic in both directions and warned motorists travelling citybound to expect delays.

Alliance East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane said: "I was deeply concerned for the well-being of this young girl when I heard about this accident just after my own children had been dropped off for school.

"Ballyhackamore is always a very busy area but particularly so at school drop off times with a number of primary schools in the area. The accident happened a short distance from my constituency office and many local people were shocked when they learnt what had happened.

"I have visited the school and spoken with staff who are comforting those children who witnessed the accident. At present the girl's injuries are not thought to be life threatening and I wish her a full recovery."

"At a time when we are trying to encourage more children to walk and cycle to school, I would urge all drivers to be vigilant, particularly at wide entrances to commercial units where crossing can be difficult."

(IT/CD)

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