A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy has been knocked down and killed by a truck just metres from his home.
The boy was hit by the truck yesterday evening while cycling near his home at Townley Manor, Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co Louth, at about 5.30pm.
The collision occurred just around 20m (65ft) from his driveway.
According to neighbours, the child had just returned home from a family outing when he took his bike out for a ride.
Local priest Fr Laurence Caraher arrived at the family home in the evening to comfort the boy’s mother. He was her only child.
“The family only moved into the area a couple of months ago,” he said. “The whole community is heartbroken about the loss of such a lovely little boy. It is terribly tragic.”
Emergency services attended the scene of the incident and the child was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda were he was pronounced dead.
The Garda Technical Bureau cordoned off the scene for forensic examination.
Witnesses have been asked to contact gardaí in Drogheda on 041 9874200 or the Garda confidential telephone line on 1800 666111.