Horse rider dies in tragic hunting accident

A County Down community is in shock, following the death of a horse rider in Ballygowan.

She's been named locally as Claire Lowe.

It happened in the New Line area of the town around 3 yesterday afternoon.

The 39 year old was well known within the local equestrian scene and also an officer with the PSNI.

Superintendent Sean Wright paid tribute to her: “Claire was an experienced and professional police officer with 6 years’ service.

"Claire was in the prime of her life. We all knew of her love for horses and for her sport but we also knew her for being a committed police officer who found challenge and reward in serving the local community and in keeping people safe throughout the Lisburn and Castlereagh District." he added.

“Claire’s untimely death has caused shock amongst her friends and colleagues across PSNI. She will be very much missed by all of us and her loss will be deeply felt for a long time to come.” Superintendent Wright concluded.

Q Radio News has been speaking to locals in the town.

They say they're devastated an accident like this has happened on their doorstep:

Ballygowan councillor Robert Gibson says it's another devastating death for a district touched by tragedy in the past: