A man in his 30s was taken to hospital with a life-changing limb injury after a collision at Castlebawn Retail Park; police seek witnesses and any dash-cam footage
The incident at Castlebawn Retail Park in Newtownards has prompted an active investigation after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle on Saturday, 23rd May. Officers were called to the scene at approximately 1.20pm following reports that a blue Skoda Octavia had collided with a man in his 30s.
A nearby parked white Vauxhall Astra also sustained damage in the same area. Emergency services, including crews from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and an Air Ambulance, attended to the casualty and transported him to hospital for treatment to what has been described as a life-changing limb injury.
What happened at the scene
The collision was reported to emergency services shortly before 1.30pm; the NIAS logged a 999 call at 13:23 and deployed two emergency crews alongside the Charity Air Ambulance with a HEMS team on board.
After assessment and initial treatment at the roadside, one patient was taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital. Witnesses described a busy retail area and significant responder activity, and police have confirmed that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full sequence of events leading to the impact involving the blue Skoda Octavia and the injured pedestrian.
Emergency response and medical care
Ambulance and air resources were dispatched to ensure rapid medical intervention. The arrival of an Air Ambulance and associated HEMS team underscores the seriousness of the injuries sustained and the priority given to stabilising the patient on scene. The term HEMS refers to a specialised helicopter emergency medical service equipped to deliver advanced pre-hospital care and rapid transfer when required. Medical teams provided on-site treatment before the casualty was conveyed to hospital, where further specialist care for a life-changing limb injury was arranged.
Role of specialist services
The combined work of ground ambulance crews and the Air Ambulance allowed for quicker access to specialist interventions. This joint response is typical for incidents classed as severe or potentially life-altering. While clinical staff manage the immediate medical needs, PSNI investigators are compiling evidence, speaking with witnesses, and collecting scene footage to understand contributing factors and any potential road safety issues around the retail park at the time of the collision.
Police appeal and investigative steps
Newtownards police are asking anyone who saw the collision or who may have relevant recordings to come forward. Officers have asked specifically for people with dash-cam or other video material to contact them. If you witnessed the event, or captured it on camera, you are asked to call 101 and quote reference 764 of 23/05/26. This reference has been issued to help investigators link calls and submissions to the correct incident file.
How to provide information
There are several ways to pass information to authorities. Members of the public can call 101 and provide the incident reference, or submit details online using the PSNI non-emergency reporting form. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website. The police emphasise the value of dash-cam footage and eyewitness accounts in reconstructing events, confirming vehicle movements, and identifying any third-party involvement.
Community impact and next steps
Local residents and regular visitors to the retail park may notice heightened police presence while enquiries continue. Investigators will review CCTV, interview potential witnesses, and inspect vehicle damage, including that recorded on the white Vauxhall Astra parked nearby. The goal of these steps is to establish a clear timeline, determine cause, and ensure accountability, while supporting the injured person and their family through the medical and legal processes that follow such a serious collision.
Anyone with relevant information is urged to respond promptly to assist the ongoing investigation. The combination of witness testimony and recorded footage can be decisive in clarifying what happened during the event at Castlebawn Retail Park on Saturday, 23rd May.
