Tributes to police officers killed in the North

The North's Chief Constable Hugh Orde today led tributes to four policemen killed a horrific early morning road accident.

It was confirmed the officers’ 4x4 vehicle hit a wall and burst into flames on a stretch of coast road in south Co Down as they responded to a call for help shortly before 4am.

There was no evidence of a terrorist link to the crash which happened on the main Warrenpoint to Kilkeel road and there were no other vehicles involved.

Police said a senior officer will investigate the fatal crash which represents the largest loss of life for the force since the paramilitary ceasefires were called more than a decade ago.

The two full-time and two part-time officers have yet to be named but it is understood they are from the south Down area.

Hugh said: “This is an extremely sad day for the family, friends and colleagues who served with the police officers who lost their lives in this tragic incident in the early hours of this morning.

“The police family have lost four fine police officers in what are deeply tragic circumstances and our heartfelt condolences go out to their families.

“Our thoughts are with them as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.”

Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Judith Gillespie, who is responsible for the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) rural region, said the men were on their way to help a fellow officer.

“Today we mourn the deaths of four police officers, who lost their lives as they supported their colleagues in serving their community,” she said.

“We feel this loss keenly and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those police officers,” she said.

“We think also of those colleagues and friends in the police service who are mourning this loss, and who are continuing to work, delivering a professional policing service at this difficult time.”

Ms Gillespie said messages of condolence had been sent from across the UK and Ireland north and south and she joined Hugh in praising the work of emergency services at the scene.

The deaths came after three other people were killed in separate road accidents on Friday night.

First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness expressed their deep sorrow.

Mr Robinson said: “I am saddened at the loss of life on our roads this weekend. Seven people have been killed including four police officers who died as the result of a tragic accident whilst serving their community. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims’ families and loved ones.”

Mr McGuinness said: “This has been a tragic weekend on our roads, I would call on all motorists to exercise caution to avoid any further loss of life this weekend. I would like to pass on my condolences to all the victims’ families at this very difficult time.”

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Assembly member Jim Wells, who represents the area, said the accident was a devastating tragedy.

“Everyone in the Mourne community will know one or other of these men,” he said.

“This will be a dreadful tragedy for the entire community and it will take a long time for people to come to terms with what has happened.”

He extended his condolences to the families of those involved in the accident.

Mr Wells said: “It is important that we find out the circumstances behind this tragedy and make certain all necessary steps are taken to ensure there is no recurrence.”

MP for the area Eddie McGrady. SDLP, said the community was deeply shocked by the news.

“This was a truly tragic accident and all our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the police officers who died,” he said.

“Words cannot describe the deep sense of despair and loss that they must be feeling. The community in the local area and throughout the North are deeply shocked and saddened at this news.

“These police officers died in the service of the community and this incident brings home the sacrifice that they make on a daily basis.”

Chairman of the Policing Board Professor Desmond Rea said: “To lose four officers in a road traffic collision is horrific and on behalf of the Policing Board I offer my sincere condolences to the families of these officers who will be absolutely devastated by this tragic event.”

Policing Board member and Ulster Unionist Party representative Basil McCrea said he was shocked to hear of the loss of life.

“This is a dreadful tragedy,” he said, “And it is a stark reminder of the debt we owe the PSNI for the work they do for the community.”

The Alliance Party’s Justice spokesman Stephen Farry said: “This is a huge tragedy not just for the police family but the whole community in Northern Ireland. These officers were out on a difficult night keeping the rest of us safe in our beds. Their deaths in such horrific circumstances is a major loss to us all.