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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Nathan Hanna

Family of Belfast teenager Tara Wright, 17, release statement following tragic death

The family of a teenage girl who was found dead outside a hospital have released a statement following the tragedy.

Tara Wright, 17, was discovered lying beside a car at Belfast City Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Four men were later arrested by police investigating the death, Belfast Live reports.

In an update from the PSNI issued on Monday afternoon, they said four males, aged 20, 21, 28 and 30, had been detained, but since released on bail.

Tonight, in a statement, the family said it is "devastated" and Tara was a "vibrant soul with a zest for life that could bring joy to all around her".

It added: "Tara was a kind, funny, charismatic, bright young girl with her whole life ahead of her and we can't believe that we now have to say goodbye to her."

Four men arrested by police investigating death of tragic teen Tara Wright in Belfast 

The death is being linked to an incident in which a Mercedes car crashed on the Ballygowan Road.

Tara was found at a grey Rover MG car at the City, according to reports on Sunday.

However today, police sources say that after looking at CCTV footage and reviewing other evidence they have established that Tara was inside the MG car when the Ambulance Service arrived.

The police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Inspector Nigel Henry said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my sympathies to the family of Tara at this very sad time. 

“Our investigation is at an early stage, however, we do believe that Tara was injured during the one vehicle road traffic collision on the Ballygowan Road.

Police forensics at the scene outside Belfast City Hospital on Sunday morning (Alan Lewis Photopress)

Teen Tara Wright found dead outside Belfast City Hospital 'will be cherished forever' 

“We are appealing to anyone who witnessed either the silver Mercedes or grey MG to contact us to assist us with our enquiries.

"We also believe that a grey coloured MG vehicle conveyed Tara to the area of Belfast City Hospital therefore we are also appealing to anyone who witnessed this vehicle between the Ballygowan Road and the Hospital to contact police.

"Investigating officers arrested four males aged 20, 21, 28 and 30 yesterday.

Hundreds turn out for candlelight vigil in memory of Ruth Maguire, Shane McAnallen and Martin Patterson in Carlingford, Co Louth 

"They have since been released on bail and are assisting us with establishing the circumstances leading to Tara’s death.

“If you have information about the collision, which you believe could assist our investigation, please pick up the phone and call us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 227 of 24/03/19.

“I would also urge anyone who may have dash-cam footage of either vehicle taken in the early hours of Sunday morning to contact us.”

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