Tributes paid to man who died after car crashes into shop in Co Tyrone

By Gráinne Ní Aodha (Press Association)

A man has died after a car crashed into a shop in Coalisland, Co Tyrone, on Wednesday afternoon.

He has been named as Gerard “Jock” Rafferty, 71, who was from the Coalisland area.

He was taken to hospital after the incident but died a short time later, police said.

“Police received a report at around 12.20pm that a car had crashed into a shop in the Moor Road area and struck a member of the public,” said Chief Inspector Simpson from the collision investigation unit.

“Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended the scene.

“However, Mr Rafferty sadly passed away a short time afterwards.

“The Moor Road remains closed to road-users between Washingbay Road and Gortgonis Road.

“Our inquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 651 of January 28.”

Gerard "Jock" Rafferty who died after a car crashed into a shop in Coalisland