An investigation is under way after a competitor was killed in a motor rally in Northern Ireland yesterday.
Ryan Bradley, from the Kilrea area, died after an accident during Stage 1 of the Down Rally, which started from Lower Square, Castlewellan, just before 10am.
Inspector John McClurg, of the Police Service of Northern Ireland, confirmed the death and said: "The family of the deceased would ask the media to respect their privacy at this time."
A member of Mr Bradley's crew was taken to hospital.
Race organiser Rathfriland Motor Club immediately cancelled the event.
A spokesman said: "The organisers of the Down Rally can confirm that a competitor has lost his life after an accident on Stage 1 of the rally.
"One other member of the competing crew has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks.”
"As with all incidents of this nature, an investigation is now being carried out by the PSNI and appropriate local authority.
“Rathfriland Motor Club together with the sport's governing body, the Motor Sports Association (MSA), are co-operating fully with the investigation."
Around 70 crews were waved off at Castlewellan before heading the short distance to the first test at Loughisland Reavy.
They were then set to drive to Katesbridge before returning to Castlewellan Forest Park.
The drivers were then due to move on to Annaclone, and back to Katesbridge.
The final loop would have taken them back to Loughisland Reavy and Annaclone.
