Motorcyclist dies

The 46-year-old motorcyclist who died on Saturday following a collision with a car near Portglenone, was Gary Grieves from Claudy.

Mr Grieves died from his injuries after his motorcycle was involved in a collision with a car on Mayogall Road just after 8pm on Saturday evening, at the crossroads junction with the Mullaghboy Road. Mr Grieves, a PSNI constable, had just come off duty and it is understood he was on his way home to Claudy again when the collision occurred.

Mr Grieves will be laid to rest later today in Learmount Parish Church Burying Ground after a service in Cumber Upper Parish Church.

Among the first to offer sympathy to the late Mr Grieves' family was Alderman Mary Hamilton, who said Mr Grieves came from a well-known local family, and described the accident as "an absolute tragedy" for the family and the close-knit community of Claudy.

"I would know the family very well. Gary Grieves' mother was a member of the Eakin family from Claudy, who would have been a well-known and very respected family, and this is just a tragedy for them. I have spoken to the family and they are heartbroken by this accident, and I would just like to offer my sympathy and that of my husband, Ernie, to the family. We are deeply sorry to hear of their loss," she said.

The male driver of the car and a female passenger were taken to hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision between the Blue VW Golf and red Yamaha bike, model YZFR1, to contact them at Magherafelt.

Meanwhile, Strabane DUP councillor Derek Hussey said Mr Grieves had been based at the town's police station for some years and had recently been moved to another station.

"I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the entire family circle," he said. "I am mindful he has had a child born only six months ago. This is a very tragic accident. I understand that Gary was a very civil and pleasant person."

It is understood Mr Grieves may also have been stationed previously at Strandtown station in Belfast and was currently based at Portglenone.