THE New Year is only 11 days old and already five people have lost their lives on Northern Ireland’s Road.

On Friday, two people were killed in separate smashes.

In Co Armagh, a pedestrian died following a road crash.

The 58-year-old man was hit by a car on the Newtown Road, between Newtownhamilton and Belleeks, around 5.30 pm.

Police said a 29-year-old female driver has been arrested for questioning on suspicion of a number of road traffic offences.

The road is closed between the Outlecken Road and Carrickrovaddy Road.

Local SDLP MLA said he was “saddened” at the Co Armagh road death.

“My thoughts are with the family of the deceased and I express my sincerest sympathy to them,” said the MLA.

“I know that the community will rally around the family and offer every support and comfort to them at this very difficult time.”

The PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit has appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 0845 600 8000.

Hours earlier, death drive Ivan Foden, 22, was killed while driving a stolen Chevrolet Captiva on the McKinstry Road in Dunmurry, west Belfast which smashed into a DAF box truck.

The car was stolen in a creeper burglary at Harmony Hill in Lisburn a short time earlier.

A 21-year-old female passenger who was injured in the crash was later arrested and street bailed pending further inquiries.