WE'VE LOST OUR ANGEL

TRIBUTES have been paid to a young hairdresser who died tragically after she was struck by a Garda car in the early hours of yesterday.

- STEPHEN MAGUIRE and MICHAEL O'TOOLE 

The victim, who has been named locally as Rebecca Browne, 21, was returning from a night out while away with friends when the horror happened just outside Buncrana in Co Donegal.

It is understood Ms Browne, who was from a well-known family in Derry city, had been staying in Ludden, Buncrana, close to where she was killed in a road traffic accident.

It is understood that Ms Browne worked at Sage Hair and Beauty based on the Spencer Road in Derry city.

Ms Browne was returning from a function at a local hotel in Buncrana when she was struck by a Garda car at approximately 3.15am. The exact circumstances of the collision are not yet known.

The victim died at the scene which was quickly preserved for a full forensic examination.

Gardai immediately set up a forensic tent as forensic examiners arrived on the scene at first light.

The official marked Garda car involved in the incident had damage to the bonnet.

Ms Browne's body was removed from the scene and taken to hospital later for a post mortem but the road last night remained closed as the forensic examination of the scene continued.

The incident was referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) as the collision involved a Garda car.

Local county councillor Jack Murray said that the town was in shock after waking up to news of the tragedy. He said: "The whole town is in shock after yet another tragedy in the area.