A road near Gilford in Co. Down has been closed following a road traffic collision between a tractor and a motorcycle this afternoon, Wednesday, April 19.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed that the collision happened on the Ballymacanallen Road, close to the border of counties Down and Armagh.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around lunchtime today.

Diversions have been put in place and motorists in the area have been asked to take alternative routes, a spokesperson for the PSNI said.

“Motorists are advised that the Ballymacanallen Road outside Gilford has been closed following a serious two-vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a tractor.

Local diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative routes for their journey.

No details, as of yet, have been released to indicate whether anyone was hurt as a result of the collision.

However, it has been reported that a significant number of emergency service staff remained at the scene for a considerable amount of time following the accident.

This crash near the Co. Down village of Gilford follows on from a fatal single-vehicle collision on the Ballydugan Road near Downpatrick late last night.

The PSNI confirmed that the driver of the car died as a result of the road traffic accident, which reportedly occurred at 10.30pm last night.

Ballydugan Road was closed for a time following the collision; it was re-opened early this morning, the PSNI added.