AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy has died after being struck by a car in Co Down this morning.

The PSNI said officers received a report at around 8am this morning of a collision involving a car and a child on the Corcreaghan Road in Kilkeel.

PSNI officers attended, alongside emergency services, and the boy was taken to hospital.

However, he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The PSNI said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the collision and has appealed for witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage to come forward.

Local SDLP MLA Colin McGrath described the boy’s death as an “absolutely heartbreaking tragedy”.

“Losing a loved one is never easy, but the loss of a young life in these circumstances is unimaginable,” said McGrath.

“I know that the local community is shocked and deeply saddened, but I trust they will do everything they can to support the family at the centre of this as they come to terms with such a devastating loss.

Meanwhile, local DUP MLA Diane Forsythe said she was “absolutely heartbroken, as is the entire local community at this tragic news”.

She added: “The devastating loss of a child is beyond measure and this one was one of the loveliest there are.”