Fatal Kilkeel Shooting Leaves Community Stunned

Commenting this afternoon (24th April) from Rooney Park in Kilkeel, Detectice Chief Inspector John McVea, spoke about the investigation into the murder of a man believed to be of Eastern European origin. DCI McVeaxa0said,xa0“I would like to thank thexa0communityxa0for their assistance so far and would appeal to them to continue to contact us with any detail they have no matter how small that will help us bring those responsible for the murder to justice. “The local community in Kilkeel arexa0shocked and deeply saddened by the events of yesterday evening whichxa0ended tragically in the murder of a man.xa0xa0I would appeal to anyone who witnessed or has any information on the initial altercation that started at a house in the Haywood Way area of Kilkeel around 9pm.xa0 I believe a number of individuals called at this house with the intent to cause damage and fear. “The housexa0at Haywood Wayxa0was ransacked before thexa0individuals involved travelledxa0in a number of cars to Rooney Park around 10pm where the shooting took place. At least two shots were fired in the street and the assailants then made off. xa0I am appealingxa0forxa0anyone with any information aboutxa0either disturbance to come forward. We need to identify all of those involved. “We have been asked about a further shooting or stabbing in the area related to this incident.xa0 At this stage we have no knowledge of such an incident, however if members of the public have any information or if they know of someone with an unexplained wound, I would ask them to contact us immediately. “Threexa0men agedxa026, 31 and 36xa0have been arrested andxa0are currently helping police with their enquiries at Antrim Serious Crime Suite. xa0I would stress that this investigation is at an early stage and there are more people that we need to talk to. “Anyone withxa0information that can assist us shouldxa0contact police at Kilkeel police on 0845 600 8000. 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. In the Rooney Park area, a flat has since become a crime scene and is being investigated by the Serious Crime Branch. Police have subsequently made an appeal for anyone who knbows anything about those involved or about the incident to contact them at Kilkeel police station at 0845 600 8000 or contact Crimestoppers, a charity that reports to the police anonymously, on 0800 555111. Ritchie Comments On Kilkeel Shooting SDLP leader and South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has condemned a shooting in Kilkeel that has left one man dead and another injured. Ms Ritchie said the community was in shock this morning that such an incident could happen in the quiet fishing village. She added, “I offer my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family; how doubly tragic that this should happen on a day synonymous with family, friends and reflection. Unfortunately, gun crime has the ability to utterly devastate entire families and communities. “This is in stark contrast to the way of life in Kilkeel and the much good work that has gone on in the area. People are utterly devastated by this. “I wish the injured man a speedy recovery and urge anybody with information about this tragic incident to pass it to the police.” Wells Condemns Kilkeel Shooting Incident South Down Assemblyman Jim Wells said, “The PSNI have confirmed that a man from Eastern Europe was shot dead in Rooney Park in Kilkeel. “I am now aware of the chaotic series of events which culminated in this shooting.xa0An altercation occurred in a house in Haywood Drive in the town and an attempt was made to burn this property down. “The dispute moved to the flats in Rooney Park where two shots were fired four seconds apart. One man was left with serious chest wounds and died in Daisy Hill Hospital at 1am this morning. Another man was left with a leg injury. “A group of three men then fled to Church Vale on the Mountain Road where a house was surrounded by Police and arrests were made.xa0There are unconfirmed reports that shots were also fired in Harbour Drive and Mountain Road. “The people of Kilkeel are shocked that this feud which was not of their making spilled on to the streets of their town on such an important weekend in the Christian calendar.” Alliance Deplore ‘Appalling Incident’. South Down Alliance Representative David Griffin has condemned the killing of a man in a shooting incident in Kilkeel. xa0The incident took place in the Rooney Park area of Kilkeel at around 10.30pm last night David Griffin said, “This was an absolutely appalling incident. The whole community is in shock and is deeply saddened at what has happened. I want to offer my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the man who was killed. “Anyone with information on this horrific incident should contact police immediately to help them with their investigation.”]]>