Urgent report on pensioner's bike race death

Government officials in the North are to compile an urgent report on the death of a pensioner who was hit by a motorbike at the Armoy road races in Co Antrim, it emerged today.

Stormont Culture Minister Nelson McCausland extended his condolences to the family of 75-year-old Hill McCook Snr and revealed he had ordered a report on the tragedy.

The race spectator died during races on Saturday when a bike crashed on the Ballycastle Road.

He had been watching the race from a bank high above the side of the road and the accident also injured the rider and a second spectator.

Mr McCausland today said: “I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mr Hill McCook.

“This fatal accident is devastating news for all involved in the Armoy races and I am very saddened by this news.

“I have asked my officials to urgently prepare a report on the accident at Armoy races for my attention.”

Mr McCook’s son said the tragedy was a freak accident and said safety measures had been good at the event.