The woman was arrested following a road traffic collision in which a 67-year-old man was tragically killed after being struck by a lorry on October 8.
John O’Brien tragically died after being struck by a lorry in Newry earlier this month
A woman has been arrested by police investigating the alleged sharing of a graphic image from the scene of a fatal road traffic collision in Co Down earlier this month.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) arrested the 47-year-old woman on Thursday on suspicion of misuse of a public electronic network to send a grossly offensive message.
The arrest follows a road traffic collision in the Albert Basin area on Wednesday, October 8, in which a 67-year-old man was killed.
The woman has since been released on bail pending further police enquiries.
The PSNI received reports that a male pedestrian had been injured after being struck by a lorry in the Albert Basin area of Newry shortly after 3.30pm on Wednesday, October 8.
Officers and emergency medical personnel rushed to the scene but, tragically, the man was pronounced dead upon their arrival.
In a statement issued at the time, PSNI authorities said they were aware of a graphic image that had been circulated online of the scene following the road tragedy.
Officers requested that people stop sharing the “distressing” photograph immediately out of respect to the family who have been left devastated by the tragedy.
The PSNI also reminded the public that anyone found to be sharing the aforementioned image that they may be committing the offence of improper use of public electronic communications network. They have also encouraged anyone who has information about the source of the image to contact authorities.
The victim of the single-vehicle collision has since been named locally as John O’Brien.
A book of condolence was opened at the Salvation Army in Newry following John’s tragic death
The Salvation Army in Newry opened a book of condolence for anyone wishing to pay their respects to the much-loved 67-year-old, whom they described as “our lovely Scottish John.”
“John was a true gentleman, a kind and wonderful soul who touched the hearts of everyone around him. He will forever be remembered with love and warmth in our heart, by all of us at The Haven,” a spokesperson for The Salvation Army said in a statement.
“Our thoughts, love, and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends at this incredibly sad time”.
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