Northern Ireland

Boy (3) dies after Co Down crash

Kai Corkum was struck by a car on Movilla Road in Newtownards at about 5.20pm on Thursday
Kai Corkum was struck by a car on Movilla Road in Newtownards at about 5.20pm on Thursday Kai Corkum was struck by a car on Movilla Road in Newtownards at about 5.20pm on Thursday

A THREE-YEAR-OLD boy struck by a car in Co Down has died. Kai Corkum was hit by a silver Volkswagen Golf on Movilla Road in Newtownards at about 5.20pm on Thursday.

He was taken by ambulance to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children in a critical condition but died on Friday.

It is believed that Kai attended a pre-school at Castle Gardens Primary, near the crash scene. In a statement posted on its website, the school said a Christmas service scheduled to take place on Friday morning had been cancelled.

“Due to tragic unforeseen circumstances the Christmas service scheduled for this morning has been cancelled,” it said.

“Further information will be shared with the school community at a more appropriate time. School will be open today but Chuckles [pre-school] will be closed.”

Police arrested a 21-year-old man at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving. He was later released on bail pending further police enquiries.

DUP MLA Peter Weir said he was “shocked and saddened” by the news.

“This is extremely distressing for their family, particularly happening in the run-up to Christmas,” he said.