Three children were rushed to hospital on Sunday evening after being struck by a car while playing on the pavement in a quiet housing development in west Belfast. The incident, which occurred just before 5pm on August 24, 2025, in Black Ridge View, has sent shockwaves through the local community and prompted an urgent police investigation.
According to multiple reports from the BBC, Belfast Telegraph, and Daily Mail, the children—two girls and a boy—were playing on the sidewalk when a car, reversing along the street, suddenly hit them. Emergency services responded rapidly, with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) dispatching three emergency crews and a charity air ambulance to the scene, as detailed by BBC News. The children were immediately transported to hospital for treatment. Their current conditions have not been disclosed, but the swift arrival of medical teams underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers arrived at Black Ridge View, just off the Monagh Bypass, shortly after the incident was reported. The PSNI confirmed in a statement, "A report was received shortly before 5pm that the car, whilst reversing, struck the children, two girls and a boy, as they played on the pavement." Officers remained at the scene for several hours, collecting evidence and speaking to any witnesses who might have seen the collision unfold.
The driver of the vehicle, a 37-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of multiple serious offenses. As reported by the Irish News and the Belfast Telegraph, the charges include driving with excess alcohol in breath, causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop, failing to report, and failing to remain where an accident occurred causing injury. The suspect was taken into custody and, as of Sunday night, remains there while police continue their inquiries.
One particularly distressing aspect of the case, highlighted by the Daily Mail, is that the car reportedly "took off" after striking the children, suggesting the driver attempted to leave the scene. This has only heightened community concern and the urgency of the police response. Officers have emphasized the importance of public assistance in piecing together the sequence of events. They are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage to come forward. The PSNI specifically requested that information be reported to Woodbourne police station, quoting reference number 1201 24/08/25.
Such incidents are, tragically, not unheard of, but the circumstances in this case—children playing innocently on their own street, struck by a reversing vehicle—have struck a particular chord. The involvement of suspected drink driving and the alleged failure to remain at the scene have intensified public outrage and concern. As one local resident told the BBC, "You don't expect something like this to happen on your doorstep. It's every parent's worst nightmare."
The PSNI has reiterated their commitment to a thorough investigation. A spokesperson for the force stated, "Officers would ask anyone who witnessed the incident or who captured dash-cam or CCTV footage which could be of assistance to their investigation to contact police at Woodbourne on 101, quoting reference number 1201 24/08/25." This call for evidence has been echoed across regional media outlets, with the hope that community cooperation will help clarify exactly how events unfolded and ensure accountability.
In the aftermath, the role of the emergency responders has been widely praised. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service’s rapid deployment of three emergency crews and an air ambulance reflects both the severity of the injuries and the professionalism of the region’s first responders. According to the BBC, the NIAS acted quickly to stabilize the children and transport them to hospital, actions that may prove crucial to their recovery.
As the investigation continues, the incident has reignited debate over road safety in residential neighborhoods throughout Belfast and beyond. Questions are being raised about how such accidents can be prevented, particularly in areas where children are likely to be playing. Local officials have promised to review safety measures in the area, though as of now, no specific changes have been announced.
The PSNI’s investigation is focusing on several key areas: the mechanics of the collision itself, the level of alcohol in the driver’s system at the time, and the reasons for the alleged failure to stop and report the incident. The charges faced by the 37-year-old man reflect the gravity with which authorities are treating the case. As reported by the Irish News, he is being held on suspicion of causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving, a charge that carries severe penalties under Northern Ireland law.
Community leaders have urged calm and patience as the facts are established. In a statement, a local councillor said, "Our thoughts are with the children and their families at this incredibly difficult time. We trust that the police will carry out a full and fair investigation and that justice will be done."
For many in west Belfast, the incident is a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving, especially where alcohol is involved. Public health campaigns and law enforcement efforts have long sought to reduce drink driving, but cases like this one reveal that the problem persists. The PSNI has used this opportunity to remind all drivers of their responsibilities, particularly in residential areas where children are likely to be present.
As of Monday morning, the suspect remains in custody. Police have not yet released further details about the driver or the ongoing investigation. The community, meanwhile, waits anxiously for updates on the children’s conditions and for news of any charges that may be brought.
With the investigation still in its early stages, the PSNI’s appeal for witnesses and footage remains open. Anyone with information is urged to contact Woodbourne police station. The hope, officials say, is that with the community’s help, they can establish a clear picture of what happened and ensure that those responsible are held to account.
The events in Black Ridge View have left a deep mark on west Belfast. As the investigation continues and the community rallies around the families affected, the focus remains on supporting the injured children and on learning the lessons necessary to prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
