Northern Ireland Chief Constable Sir Hugh Orde this evening led tributes to the four policemen killed in road crash in Co Down earlier today.
The officers’ 4x4 vehicle hit a wall and burst into flames on a stretch of coast road in south County Down as they responded to a call for help shortly before 4am.
There was no evidence of a terrorist link to the crash which happened on the main Warrenpoint to Kilkeel road and there were no other vehicles involved.
A black box recorder in the police Shogun vehicle will be key to uncovering what happened and police said they will investigate unconfirmed reports the blaze set-off ammunition in the car.
Police said the crash was still being investigated, but tonight ruled out speculation the men had been trapped in the vehicle by a locking system and said: “We can clarify that the Shogun vehicle involved in this morning’s incident, does not use self-locking or automatically-locking doors.”
The two full-time and two part-time officers have yet to be named but it is understood they are from the south Down area.
Sir Hugh said: “This is an extremely sad day for the family, friends and colleagues who served with the police officers who lost their lives in this tragic incident in the early hours of this morning.
“The police family have lost four fine police officers in what are deeply tragic circumstances and our heartfelt condolences go out to their families.
First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness expressed their deep sorrow.
Mr Robinson said: “I am saddened at the loss of life on our roads this weekend. Seven people have been killed including four police officers who died as the result of a tragic accident whilst serving their community. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims’ families and loved ones.”
Mr McGuinness said: “This has been a tragic weekend on our roads, I would call on all motorists to exercise caution to avoid any further loss of life this weekend. I would like to pass on my condolences to all the victims’ families at this very difficult time.”
All four are understood to be from the Mourne area of south Down and while details have yet to be confirmed, it is believed at least some of the officers were married with children.
The Kilkeel police station is closed on weekends and it is understood officers travelled from Newry to carry out routine inquiries, most often related to alcohol-related complaints.
MP for the area Eddie McGrady said the community was deeply shocked by the news. “This was a truly tragic accident and all our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the police officers who died,” he said.
The Ulster Unionist Party’s Basil McCrea said he was shocked to hear of the tragedy and he extended his condolences to the deceased officers’ families, friends and colleagues.
“This is a dreadful tragedy,” he said, “And it is a stark reminder of the debt we owe the PSNI for the work they do for the community.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Assembly member Jim Wells who represents the area said the crash was a devastating tragedy.
“Everyone in the Mourne community will know one or other of these men,” he said.
“This will be a dreadful tragedy for the entire community and it will take a long time for people to come to terms with what has happened.”
PA