AN eight-year-old boy killed in a collision in Co Down is believed to have been crossing the road when he was struck by a car overtaking his father's tractor.
Harry Steele (8) from Kircubbin was last night described as "extremely polite, kind and thoughtful".
He is believed to have been in a tractor with his father and had just got out of the vehicle to go to his grandmother's house when he was killed.
It is understood that as he crossed the Rowreagh Road - the main road between Kircubbin and Portaferry - he was struck by the car overtaking the tractor.
A P5 pupil at Kircubbin Integrated Primary School, his death been described as a "heart-breaking loss to our school community".
The school remained closed yesterday in what should have been the first day of term for pupils.
In a statement posted on the school website, principal Roger Irvine said: "Harry was a quiet yet popular member of his class. He was extremely polite, kind and thoughtful and had many good friends.
"Harry was particularly animated when he had opportunities to discuss his passion for all things agricultural. He will be sorely missed
by us all at KIPS."
SDLP councillor Joe Boyle said the young boy's death had "rocked the whole of the Ards Peninsula".
