It follows reports of two separate road traffic collisions that occurred overnight in the early hours of this morning (9 July), in which two pedestrians, a 12 year old boy in Portaferry and a 16 year old girl in Bangor, were killed.

Ms Armstrong has said: “These are senseless tragedies and I want to first extend my heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of these two young people. The local communities in both Portaferry and Bangor woke up today in shock at what’s happened, but I have no doubt they will rally behind the families at such an unimaginably difficult time.

“The onus is on anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car to drive safely and responsibly, and to see the needless loss of two young lives, one of which being investigated as reckless driving, is as infuriating as it is heartbreaking.

“I will continue engaging with the PSNI and all relevant authorities as investigations into the incidents continue, and would encourage anyone who may have witnessed either incident or have any relevant information to please come forward to police.”

Ms Egan added: “Any death on our roads is a tragedy, but to see those so young, children who had their whole lives ahead of them, lose their lives is particularly devastating. I want to express my deepest condolences to the families of Jaidyn Rice and young boy from Portaferry, who are going through the unthinkable right now.

“It serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibility we all have every time we get into the driver’s seat, and I would encourage anyone who has any information that could be relevant to the investigation of this incident to please get in touch with police.”