Garda appeal after boy (5) killed in Portlaoise

GARDAÍ are appealing for witnesses following the death of a little boy in Portlaoise this afternoon.

The five-year-old died after he was struck by a car in the Kilminchy area at about 4.20pm.

Gardaí and emergency services rushed to the scene of the fatal road traffic collision, involving a pedestrian and a car.

The child was fatally injured and was removed from the scene to Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in a serious condition. 

He was sadly pronounced dead a short time later. The car driver, a woman aged in her 40s, was not injured.

Gardaí said tonight that a post mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

The road was cordoned off and will remain closed overnight, as gardaí investigate all the circumstances surrounding the incident.

A technical examination is due to be carried out by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators tomorrow morning, Sunday 23 February.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them.

In an appeal shortly after 9pm tonight, gardaí said: 'Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in Kilminchy, Portlaoise, between 4pm and 5pm this afternoon are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.'

Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.