Kilrea man dies at County Down rally

Ryan Bradley died after the car he was racing plunged into water during the first stage of the Down Rally near Castlewellan.

A police diving team attended the scene and recovered his body from the vehicle several hours later.

His co-driver managed to escape and raise the alarm before he was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital where his condition is not believed to be serious.

Organisers of the race cancelled the event following the incident.

A statement said: “The thoughts of Rathfriland Motor Club, and everyone involved with the event are with the family and friends of the deceased at this time.

“As with all incidents of this nature, an investigation is now being carried out by the PSNI and appropriate Local Authority.

“Rathfriland Motor Club together with the sport’s governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA), are co-operating fully with the investigation.”

East Londonderry MLA Adrian McQuillan, who knew Mr Bradley’s family said: “This is another tragedy for the area.

“This is a very sad time for the Bradley family, our thoughts are with them at this time.”