On the eve of the Twelfth celebrations to be held in Clough, County Down, an early morning shooting in the village has met with widespread condemnation.
Detectives are appealing for information following a shooting incident in the Claragh Court area of Clough during the early hours of this morning, Friday 4 July.
It was reported that sometime around 3am shots had been fired at two cars parked in the area. Damage was caused to the windscreens of the cars as a result but no-one was injured during this incident.
Detectives, who believe the motive for the shooting is sectarian, are treating this incident as a hate crime and are asking any member of the public who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area or who has any information about the incident to contact them at Downpatrick CID on the non-emergency number 101. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has condemned those behind the gun attack in Clough as “deplorable and cowardly”. She added: “The community in Clough is supportive of one another. People do not want, or deserve, this type of criminal activity in their area. People must be left in peace to live their lives free from threat and from violence.” Ms Ritchie joined the police appeal for anyone who saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, or who has any information about the incident to contact police.
Alliance Down District Councillor Patrick Clarke has also strongly condemned the Clough shooting incident. He said: “Thankfully no-one was injured in this attack which the police have suggested is sectarian in its nature. Councillor Clarke said: “There can be no place in our society for such acts of disgraceful behaviour involving shots being fired in the middle of the night. “Whilst I am grateful that no-0ne was injured. one begins to wonder the actual mindset of such sickening people who would wish to go into a quiet residential area at night brandishing a weapon. Clough is a mixed community and both the local and the wider community do not deserve this sort of indiscriminate attack irrespective of the motives.”
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