British toddler killed in 'horrific' incident while on holiday in Ireland

Child was struck by a Jeep while staying in County Roscommon

A British toddler was killed by a car while on holiday in the Republic of Ireland. It is understood that the boy, who was under the age of two, had been staying at a property in a quiet location in County Roscommon with his parents.

A local said the family were visiting the area in Ballinagare, where they have connections. Irish police (Gardai) said the boy was hit by a Jeep near Ballinagare on Friday. The boy was struck by the vehicle at about 9am in the village located on the N5 between Frenchpark and Tulsk

The infant received treatment at the scene, but was later pronounced dead. His body was taken to the mortuary at University Hospital Galway for a post-mortem examination.

The boy was killed close to the house where he and his family had been staying. It is understood his parents visited the area often. Fianna Fail councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice told PA news agency: “Members of the local community are shocked and saddened at death of toddler. Our sympathies are with the family on this sad occasion. I want to send the family our condolences and to let them know they are in our thoughts and prayers.”

Tom Crosby, an independent councillor and Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, said the local community has been left devastated by the “horrific accident”.

"As Cathaoirleach of the council, I want to send my sincere sympathies to the boy's family and friends and all the neighbours. It is such a tragedy. It has been a horror. The incident was so unfortunate in the way that it happened. It is a close-knit community and the area is in total shock. It is not a typical place for holiday homes but it is a quiet location for visitors.”

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward and have also asked that any road users with video footage recorded in the area around the time of the fatal crash, including dash cam, contact investigating gardaí and make the footage available. The investigation is being carried out by gardaí in Boyle station, who are contactable at (071) 966 4620.