Second man dies after stolen car crashes

TWO local men have died after a stolen car they were in was involved in a horrific crash near Dundrod early on Monday morning.

Patrick McCallister, 24, from Glasvey Close inTwinbrook and Conor Rules, 23, from Knockcairn Lodge, Dundrod, died after the high powered Subaru Impreza left the Leathemstown Road at about 6.10 am. Reports say it went through several fields before coming to a stop.

Six men - all in their twenties - were in the car which was the only vehicle involved.

Two other men remain in a critical condition. Another two, who were not seriously injured, were arrested in connection with taking and driving the car. Both have since been released on bail.

Police said the Subaru Impreza car had been stolen from the Maralin Avenue area of Knockmore overnight between 27 June and 28 June.

John McPoland from the ambulance service said those at the scene described it as horrific. He said: "The car went into a field and the occupants were ejected from the car."

"Two people had to be resuscitated at scene, three of them were taken to hospital with critical injuries."

"It is a fast road and there are a lot of bends and difficulties," he added.

Friends were posting messages of sympathy on the social network site Bebo in memory of Conor Rules. "You're with the angels now and you're not alone," one message read "rest in peace, Conor. You'll be sorely missed," another read.

Michael George, a community safety worker in the Colin area, said a meeting had been organised with Police to discuss the role of the auto crime team in the area. Members of the Colin community safety subcommittee will take part in the meeting which will discuss car crime and related issues.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision or has any information in relation to it or the theft of the car to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

Related topics: