The uncle of one of the police officers killed in yesterday’s horrific crash last night described him as “an extraordinary young man who was mad keen on his police work”.

Thirty-year-old Kenny Irvine from Kilkeel was married with a son who was born only a few months ago.

He died alongside police colleagues Declan Greene (39) also from Kilkeel; Kevin Gorman (24) from outside Ballynahinch and James Magee (27) from south Down early yesterday morning.

The families of both Kilkeel men were to upset to speak about their loss, but a uncle of Mr Irvine said the deaths were a tragedy for all those who knew and loved them.

The man, who did not wish to be named, said: “Kenny was an extraordinary young man who was mad keen on his police work.

“He wasn’t in the job that long but he loved what he did. We’re all shocked by what has happened, of that there can be no doubt.

“It’s very hard to take in what has happened.”

Mr Irvine was involved in community work in the areas around Kilkeel including Ballyveigh and was chairman of the local clay pigeon shooting club.

Declan Greene – who lost three relatives in the Tullymurray Lass fishing disaster in 2002 – was also well-known in the community.

A married father-of-four and former fisherman, Mr Greene worked at the local aircraft aerospace firm BE Aerospace. It is understood Mr Greene’s eldest son is in Australia and is making plans to return home for his father’s funeral.

Councillor Isaac Hanna, deputy major of Newry and Mourne Council, lives in Kilkeel and said the local community has been stunned by this latest tragedy.

He said both part-time officers – one a Protestant and one a Catholic – were involved in community policing and were respected by everyone in the area.

Councillor Hanna said: “I’m chairman of the local community safety partnership and both Declan and Kenny had a great input in community policing.

“It was extremely beneficial having local officers from both sides of the community as they were both well respected young men.

“The people of Kilkeel and beyond are devastated by the tragic events that occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning. Words cannot express the shock and horror of what has happened.

“My sympathy goes out to the Green and Irvine families and also the families of the two other policemen who lost their lives. It’s a very sad time, especially with it being so close to Christmas.”

A local taxi driver, who asked not to be named, also expressed shock at the loss of the two part-time officers. He said: “It’ll be a very sad day for Kilkeel the day Declan and Kenny are buried. I’d say the whole place will come to a stand-still when the funerals are held.”