Body find treated as a hit-and-run

Detective Inspector Colin Patterson said the man’s body was found in the Shillinghill Road area of Armagh shortly before 7am.

“We are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death. However, at this stage we believe this may have been as a result of a hit-and-run road traffic collision,” he said.

“I would particularly like to speak to anyone who can help us with our inquiries.

“I would appeal to them to contact police at Armagh on the non-emergency number 101.”

Newry and Armagh UUP MLA Danny Kennedy said the matter had been “a matter of great concern to the local community”.

“This is a very quiet, rural area and the news of the discovery has shocked the local community,” he said.

“I offer my sincere sympathy to the family and friends of the individual, who is well-known in the area, at this difficult time.

“I would appeal to anyone with any information which could assist the PSNI in their inquiries into this incident to bring that forward immediately.”

Newry and Armagh DUP MLA William Irwin said: “I am shocked and saddened to learn of the death and my thoughts and prayers are with his family circle at this difficult time.”

He added: “I have been liaising closely with police and I understand that the passing is the subject of an investigation in order to establish the exact causes and circumstances of death.”

Independent councillor Paul Berry said that he and the local community “are shocked and saddened” by the news and added that “our thoughts and prayers are with the family at his distressing time”.