A 22-year-old woman was killed in a road accident in Co Londonderry last night.

Caoimhe Kerr from Magherafelt died after being struck by a van at the Castledawson roundabout at about 5.30pm.

She died at the scene — just a few miles from her Magherafelt home — a short time later.

It is believed Caoimhe, a third year university student, had exited a bus from Belfast when the accident happened.

Family friend and SDLP councillor, James Campbell, said |the whole community had |been left “shattered” by the grim news.

“The Kerr family are well known in the area — Caoimhe would have a very large extended family.

“They are a close-knit family who are well-known and highly |regarded in the Magherafelt |area and they will be totally devastated, like everyone, by this death.

Last night heartbroken friends and relatives left dozens of tributes on Caoimhe’s Bebo homepage.

One heartbroken friend wrote: “R.I.P. Caoimhe, no-one knows why you were taken but you are an angel now in heaven, sweet dreams.”

Last night the Castledawson roundabout remained closed as police continued with their investigations.

A spokesman for the PSNI appealed for anyone who witnessed the accident to come forward. He said officers were particularly keen to speak to the driver of a lorry.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.