Man arrested in connection with fatal hit and run collision in west Belfast

By Q Radio News

Police investigating a fatal hit-and-run road traffic collision in west Belfast last night  have made a further appeal for information. 

Richard Gerard Boyle, who was from Dunmurry, died following the collision on the Stewartstown Road, which was reported to police just before 10:20pm.

It was reported he was struck by a vehicle that failed to stop at the scene. He was taken to hospital where he sadly died. 

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the collision and he remains in custody at this time, assisting police with enquiries.

Police are also making an appeal for information about the vehicle that may have been involved in the collision, possibly a dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf. 

Inspector Phillip McCullagh is appealing to anyone with information, or anyone who was on the Stewartstown Road between 9.30pm and 10.20pm and witnessed the collision, or drivers who may have captured it on their dash cam, to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1997 of 05/02/21.  

Inspector Phillip McCullagh is appealing to anyone who was on the Stewartstown Road between 9.30pm and 10.20pm and witnessed the collision, or drivers who may have captured it on their dash cam, to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference number 1997 of 05/02/21.  

The Stewartstown Road was closed for a time as police dealt with the collision, but it has since reopened. 

Sinn Féin MLA Órlaithí Flynn has extended her condolences to the family.

The West Belfast MLA said:

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of man in a traffic collision on the Stewartstown Road.

“This is heart-breaking news for the man’s family, friends, loved ones and the wider community.

“I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the man and offer them my full support.

“It is deeply concerning that the collision is being treated as a suspected hit and run.

“I would ask the driver to do the right thing and hand themselves in to the police.

“I would also appeal to anyone who may have been on the Stewartstown Road at the time to bring any information forward to the PSNI.”