Police officer dies after road collision
A 46-YEAR-OLD motorcyclist who died on Saturday after a collision with a car near Portglenone has been named locally as Gary Grieves from Claudy.
A car and a motorbike collided in the accident on the Mayogall Road just after 8pm on Saturday evening.
The crash happened at the crossroads junction with the Mullaghboy Road and the motorbike rider is understood to have been a PSNI constable.
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.
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.
The Rev JRD Slater of Cumber Upper Church of Ireland in Claudy confirmed that Mr Grieves was a member of his congregation.
One eyewitness saw three police officers getting out of a PSNI vehicle and leaving flowers at the scene of the collision yesterday.
Local Ulster Unionist councillor George Shiels said the crossroads where the collision took place was on a half-mile straight with good visibility, but was sandwiched between a series of bad bends and "hazards".
"There is an awkward corner or chicane about 100 yards away from the crossroads, although the junction itself is a good, clear road," he said.
"This is a very sad accident and I would extend my sympathies to the family of the man who was killed.
"I would also like to wish a speedy recovery to the couple in the car."
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Weather for Belfast
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 2 C to 7 C
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Wind direction: South
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