Limavady: Man dies after being hit by bin lorry

Image source, Margaret McLaughlin

Image caption, The scene of the fatal incident in Limavady

A man has been killed after he was hit by the bin lorry he was working on in Limavady.

The incident happened at 07:30 GMT on Tuesday in the Mount Eden area of the town.

John Winton, 51, was also a local fireman.

Police said Mr Winton "died as a result of injuries he sustained in a collision with the refuse collection vehicle he was working on".

Northern Ireland's Health and Safety Executive said they are aware of the incident and are making enquiries.

A Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council spokesperson said an investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing.

Image source, Margaret McLaughlin

Image caption, An investigation is under way into how the death happened

Mayor Brenda Chivers said: "It is with deep sadness that we learned this morning of the death of a colleague.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with John's family and friends and we offer them our heartfelt sympathies at this time."

Northern Ireland's chief fire and rescue officer, Gary Thompson, extended his sympathies to Mr Winton's family.

"John was a retained fire-fighter at Limavady fire station, having joined almost two years ago," he said.

"His untimely death at the age of 51 will be greatly felt by all who knew and worked with him. John was a dedicated fire-fighter serving his home town with distinction and he was extremely popular amongst his colleagues."