Man who died after being hit by lorry brought 'joy' to community

A man killed in Newry after being hit by a lorry was known to friends as "Scottish John"

A book of condolence has opened at the Salvation Army in Newry for a man who died on Wednesday after being hit by a lorry.

Members of the church's "Haven" club have been paying their respects to their friend who has been named as John O'Brien.

The 67-year-old had been at the club before the incident which happened in the Albert Basin area shortly after 15:30 BST. Mr O'Brien was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they were "aware of a distressing image being circulated from the scene" and requested people do not to share it.

A book of condolence has opened at the Salvation Army in Newry for Mr O'Brien

Captain Julia Mapstone, said Mr O'Brien had been at the club, which provides support and friendship for people with mental health issues, on the day of the crash.

"He made everyone laugh and he had special names for everyone here," she said. "He made sure everyone had cups of tea.

"When he first came here he was very quiet but he soon became part of everything.

"Everyone has positive things to say about him and today we are sharing the memories of how he made us all laugh. He was a pleasure to be around."

She said they have the book of condolences for people to pay their respects, have a time of silence and to write a message.

"We want to send our love and prayers to his immediate family – but also to the other people who were involved in the incident yesterday as well."

Bridge Street was among a number of roads closed in Newry city centre following the collision on Wednesday

Newry and Armagh MP, Dáire Hughes, said he was "devastated" to hear about the man's death.

"My thoughts and condolences are with their loved ones as they come to terms with this tragic incident and heartbreaking loss," the Sinn Féin representative added.

His party colleague, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, said: "I would urge people to also be mindful and respectful of the impact this incident will have on all involved, especially the family of the deceased gentleman."

The PSNI warned that people who share the image from the scene "may be committing the offence of improper use of public electronic communications network".

"We request the sharing of this graphic scene image to cease immediately out of consideration for the family impacted," they said.

Insp Cherith Adair from the PSNI's Collision Investigation Unit said roads in the area which were closed for a forensic examination have now re-opened.