Three Arrested Following Killyleagh Shooting

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Police have reported that a shooting in Killyleagh in the early hours of Sunday morning could have had tragic consequences.

Down News understands that a man had kicked a door in the Castleview area of the town and then proceeded to kick other doors. He and another man were confronted by an irate local resident and an altercation took place upsetting the local neighbours.

Police are investigating a shooting in Killyleagh where eight shots were fired through a window.

Almost an hour later the two men returned to the scene with around a dozen men and up to eight shots were fired into the window of one home but no-one was injured.

Detective Sergeant Mark Crothers said: “We are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident believed to have occurred shortly before 7am on Sunday, 14 January to contact us.

“Police would also appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious persons or activity in the vicinity at approximately 5.30-6.00am on that morning to also contact them. Please call detectives at Ardmore on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 378 14/01/18.

Forensic officers examine the scene. (Photos by Pacemaker).

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker said: “As a local councillor  for the area I totally condemn this shooting incident. Local people who witnessed this need to make statements to the Police or Crimestoppers.

“The people of Killyleagh do not want this sort of behaviour in their town and it has to stop now. We now have a lot of frightened people especially our senior citizens who were not expecting this on their street. They are now very fearful and stressed because of these violent actions.”

Also Councillor Terry Andrews condemned the shooting without reservation and said: “It was all just totally wrong and uncalled for. Nobody deserves in our society to be put through this ordeal and we are lucky that no-one was killed or injured.”

Strangford MP Jim Shannon (DUP) has also condemned the attack in killyleagh in the early hours of Sunday morning.

 Mr Shannon said: “Thankfully no one was injured, but those who carried out this attack have no thought for the possibility of the loss of life and of the children who live in neighbouring houses.
“It is a disgrace that after what seems to have been a heated exchange that someone actually went home and returned with a weapon to prove their point. Whilst this was not a sectarian attack, any gangland warfare is unacceptable and the PSNI are to be congratulated for their quick action and three arrests that have taken place.
“I would appeal for people to remember that a stray bullet can land anywhere and whilst loss of life may not have been the intent, it could have so easily been the result and is completely unacceptable.
“If anyone has any information on this attack, please contact the PSNI to ensure that there is a strong case to put away these people and send the message that this behaviour will not be tolerated in our community.”

Peter Weir DUP MLA for Strangford also condemned the shooting and said: “The news of shots being fired at flats in Killyleagh, potentially linked with earlier criminal damage at local properties, is unacceptable, irresponsible, and I utterly condemn it.

“This is a shocking criminal course of events and is very disturbing for the local people of Killyleagh. There was a severe risk than anyone nearby could have been the victim of this attack, and we must all be thankful that not only was no-one killed, and we are very fortunate that no-one was seriously injured. Nothing can justify this.

“I commend the PSNI for their swift reaction in already making arrests, and I urge anyone who has any information on this dreadful incident to immediately come forward to the Police.”

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