Five-year-old boy dies in County Derry road collision

Police have confirmed the tragic death of a five-year-old boy following a road traffic collision in County Derry yesterday afternoon (Thursday September 30).

The boy has been named as Ollie Simmons-Watt.

Sergeant Amanda McIvor said: "It was reported shortly after 3.40pm that a van had struck a child in the Irwin Avenue area. We believe at this time that Ollie was on his bike in the area at the time of the collision. 

County Derry road closed following collision

Motorists have been asked to avoid the area.

"Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance NI, and the boy was taken to hospital for treatment, but unfortunately died from his injuries.

"The road, which was closed for a time following the collision, has since re-opened.

"Our enquiries are continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or captured any dash cam or other footage,  to get in touch via 101, and quote reference number 1235 of 29/09/22."

Ollie's family are involved in Roe Valley Residents' Association, who paid tribute to the boy on their Facebook page.

"Ollie's smile was infectious and he was full of character," they said.

"He kept eveyone entertained at any activity he participated in, and he will be dearly missed by his friends, management, staff and volunteers at RVRA.

"We pass on our sympathies and condolences on to Ollie's mammy and daddy; his brother Freddie and sister Bella and the wider family circle at this very difficult time."

East Derry MLA Cara Hunter said the community had been left 'heartbroken'.

"The entire community in Limavady and everyone across East Derry are absolutely heartbroken at the tragic passing of Ollie Simmons-Watt," she said.

"I can’t begin to imagine what his family are going through, but they have my deepest sympathies and I hope they will take some comfort from the outpouring of support at this awful time.

“Limavady is a very tight-knit area and people have been left shocked and reeling by this incident.

"I have no doubt that the local community will rally around the Simmons-Watt family in their hour of need and do all they can to help as they come to terms with this devastating loss.

“I’d like to thank the emergency services, including our ambulance and air ambulance staff who responded to this incident and would urge anyone with any information about what happened to come forward to police as soon as possible to assist with their investigation.”

Ms Hunter's Assembly colleague, Caoimhe Archibald MLA, also expressed her sympathy.

"The local community is in shock and heartbroken at the tragic death of young Ollie Simmons-Watt last night.

"My immediate thoughts are with the little boy’s family at this very sad and difficult time.  

"I would urge anyone with information about this collision to bring it forward to the police."

Local councillor for Limavady, Cllr Aaron Callan, said the events were 'tragic'.

"This is such tragic and sad news today in Limavady," he said.

"The whole community in Limavady I'm sure will have the family of Ollie in their thoughts and prayers in the coming days and weeks."