Pensioner killed by runaway pony

A pensioner has been killed by a runaway pony at an agricultural show in County Down.

Wesley McNeill, 89, died when the animal bolted and kicked him in the accident at Castlewellan Agricultural Show on Saturday.

Mr McNeill, from Claragh Road near Clough, was a retired farmer.

Show spokesperson Fidelma Carlin said members of St John's Ambulance and the on-site doctor were quickly on the scene, but could not revive him.

"We have a health and safety plan and we will be looking at the plan to see if there is anything that can be done to improve health and safety at the show," she said.

SDLP South Down MLA Margaret Ritchie said many people had been saddened by Mr McNeill's death.

"First and foremost, I want to express my sincere sympathies to the family of Wesley McNeill. The local community has been stunned by his death and we are all praying for them at this sad and difficult time," she added.

"The Castlewellan Agricultural Show is always such a great family day out and draws crowds from across the country, but this year it has been tainted with such sadness due to this terrible death."