Northern Ireland

Seven arrested following fatal Dundonald crash which may be linked to attack on property

Police have appealed for information
Police have appealed for information Police have appealed for information

A 27-year-old woman has died and seven people have bee arrested following a road crash in Dundonald this morning. 

Police were called to the scene on Comber Road at around 4.30am after a BMW was involved in a collision. However, police said the occupants had left the scene in another car. 

Paramedics were later called to a property on Ardmore Avenue where the woman was treated but later pronounced dead.

Four men and three women have been arrested. 

A PSNI spokesperson said the incident may also be linked to damage caused to a property in Lisbane Drive in Newtownards.

Detective Inspector Snoddy said: "At approximately 4.30am we received a report of a road traffic collision, involving a black BMW, on the Comber Road, Dundonald close to its junction with the Hillhead Road. 

''Upon police arrival they discovered the car at the scene.  The occupants of the car were reported to have left the scene in a Suzuki car.

"The Comber Road remains closed between the Hillhead Road and Millmount Road while officers examine the scene. 

"A short time later police received a report from the NIAS that they had been called to an address in Ardmore Avenue in Dundonald where a female, believed to have been involved in the collision, was located. 

''NIAS staff attended and treated the female.  Sadly, she was subsequently pronounced deceased.

''A post mortem will be carried out in due course to establish the cause of death. 

''A Suzuki car was discovered a short distance from the property and seven people, four men and three women, who were also at the address have been arrested on suspicion of a number of motoring offences and remain in police custody at this time.

"Our investigation is at an early stage, however, we are investigating a definite link between the collision on the Comber Road, and the discovery of the female at the property in Dundonald. We are also investigating reports of damage caused to a property in Lisbane Drive in Newtownards earlier in the morning that may be linked.

DI Snoddy is appealing for anyone who was on the Comber Road between Dundonald and Comber between 4am and 4:30am this morning to contact police. 

''Did you see a car matching the description of the black BMW or grey Suzuki Swift? Did you witness the collision? Did you see any other vehicles in the area after the collision? 

"I also want to appeal to anyone who was in the Ardmore Avenue area of Dundonald early this morning and saw a grey Suzuki Swift, to please call us.

"If you have information about the collision, or the circumstances surrounding the death of this female which you believe could assist our investigation, please, pick up the phone and call us on 101, quoting reference number 185 01/06/21.''