Tributes paid to police officers

Tributes have been paid to the four police officers killed in a road accident in County Down.

Sir Hugh Orde, PSNI chief constable

The police family have lost four fine police officers in what are deeply tragic circumstances and our heartfelt condolences go out to their families.

Our thoughts are with them as they struggle to come to terms with their loss.

I know that there are also very many friends and colleagues who are shocked and saddened by this news.

These four officers died serving this community and they will be deeply missed.

Sir Desmond Rea, Policing Board chairman

To lose four officers in a road traffic collision is horrific.

On behalf of the Policing Board I offer my sincere condolences to the families of these officers who will be absolutely devastated by this tragic event.

This is also a huge loss for the PSNI.

Shaun Woodward, secretary of state

I want to extend my deepest sympathy to their loved ones and their friends and colleagues who served with them.

The police do difficult and often dangerous work to protect the community and keep it safe.

It is at times like this that the huge debt that we all owe them is brought home in a particularly shocking and cruel way".

Peter Robinson, Northern Ireland first minister

I am saddened at the loss of life on our roads this weekend.

Seven people have been killed including four police officers who died as the result of a tragic accident whilst serving their community.

Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland deputy first minister

I would like to pass on my condolences to all the victims' families at this very difficult time."

We have followed too many funerals of friends and loved ones.

Al Hutchinson, police ombudsman

My thoughts and the thoughts of my staff are firstly with the families and colleagues of those who died.

But we have all lost four people who were serving our community.

Danny Kennedy, Ulster Unionist deputy leader

This loss will be felt by the immediate family and relatives of the four officers and I want to assure them of all our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.

Eddie McGrady, SDLP MP for South Down

These police officers died in the service of the community and this incident brings home the sacrifice that they make on a daily basis.

I know that people in South Down will rally round the families of the officers in these dark times.

Stephen Farry, Alliance Party justice spoesman

These officers were out on a difficult night keeping the rest of us safe in our beds.

Their deaths in such horrific circumstances are a major loss to us all.