Detectives in Newry are investigating two separate shooting incidents overnight. The first incident took place at around midnight at Sandy’s Street, when a man was reported to have called to the door of a house, and, following a verbal altercation, shot the 32 year old occupant in the leg.
In the second incident, a 32 year old man reported that he had been taken from a house at Ardfield Avenue in Warrenpoint sometime between 12.30am and 1am, by four masked men, put into a dark coloured car and driven to the Armagh Road in Newry where he was then shot in the leg.
Both men are currently in hospital being treated for their injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
Superintendent Simon Walls said, “ Our investigation into these incidents is at a very early stage and we are working to identify a motive for the shootings and if they are linked. I would appeal for the public’s assistance to help us identify and to take those responsible for these attacks off the streets.
“I would ask anyone who was in the Ardfield Avenue area of Warrenpoint, the Sandys Street area of Newry or the Armagh Road in Newry last night and witnessed any suspicious activity to contact detectives in Newry on 101. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie (SDLP) has condemned the shooting and said: “I utterly condemn the shooting of a young man in Newry in the early hours of this morning. I understand that the man had been in Warrenpoint earlier on Wednesday evening and was then taken to Newry where the shooting took place. Such a shooting was an attempt to kill or maim this young man.
“This is a totally unwarranted act and a form of violence that belongs to the past. No one has the right to act as judge and potential executioner; this type of violence has been rejected by the vast majority of the public at the ballot box and should be consigned to the rubbish bin of history. These acts will continue to be rejected by local people across Warrenpoint, Newry and the island of Ireland.
“I would urge anybody with information regarding this dastardly shooting to give it to the Police so that those responsible can be made accountable to the law. I also hope that this young man will recover and return to his family and friends”.
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