A 24-year-old woman has been killed and a man seriously injured in a hit-and-run in north Belfast. The incident occurred on York Street in the early hours of Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Victim Identified
The woman has been named as Raven Adams, originally from Tipperary. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A 22-year-old male pedestrian was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition.
Police received a report of a single-vehicle collision involving two pedestrians at approximately 2:40 am. The driver, a 22-year-old man, allegedly fled the scene but was later arrested in the Cavehill area. He remains in police custody as enquiries continue.
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “We received a report at approximately 2.40am of a single-vehicle collision involving two pedestrians. It was reported the pedestrians were struck by a vehicle - the driver of which, a 22-year-old man, subsequently fled the scene, and was later arrested by officers in the nearby Cavehill area. He remains in police custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances of what happened.”
“Officers attended the scene, alongside colleagues from other emergency services where medical treatment was provided to both pedestrians. Sadly, the female was pronounced deceased at the scene – while the man has been taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.”
“The road has now fully reopened following a number of earlier closures in the area. We would appeal for anyone with information about the collision or who has dash-cam footage of what happened, to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 181 16/07/26 or call us on 101.”
Community Reaction
Local DUP MLA Phillip Brett expressed deep sadness over the incident. “My heartfelt condolences are with Raven’s family, friends and loved ones as they come to terms with this devastating loss,” he said. “I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dash cam, CCTV or any other information that could assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 181 of 16 July 2026. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital.”
Brett added: “This is an incredibly sad day for our community. I would ask everyone to respect the privacy of those affected and allow the PSNI the time and space to carry out a full and thorough investigation. Finally, I want to pay tribute to the police, ambulance service and all of the emergency responders who attended the scene and dealt with the most difficult of circumstances. My thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The road has fully reopened after earlier closures. Police continue to appeal for witnesses or dash-cam footage.
