Two men arrested on suspicion of shooting a pellet gun causing injury to two members of public
Police have arrested two men aged 19 and 22 on suspicion of firing a weapon in public and injuring two members of the public.
The incident occurred on Saturday 20th July in the afternoon.
A police spokesperson said: “Detectives are continuing to investigate a recent firearms-related report in Downpatrick.
Detective Inspector Johnston said: “Police received a report at approximately 3.45pm on Saturday 20th July of a shooting at a bowling club in the Owenbeg Avenue area of Downpatrick.
“It was reported a man, aged in his 40s, and a teenage girl sustained injuries after being shot at with a suspected pellet gun.
“The injuries were not life-threatening and enquiries are continuing to determine where exactly the shots were fired from.
“Two men, aged 22 and 18, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including possession of a firearm in suspicious circumstances.
“They were both later released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.”
The investigation is continuing and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1053 20/07/24.
A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via:
http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
or you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:
A witness at Ownbeg Bolwing Club who did not want to be named said: “The man who also wants to remain anonymous who was injured first was hit in the head. He thought that he had been hit by a stone being thrown initially and felt quite ill afterwards I understand.
“We examined him just after it happened and tried to provide some first aid. On investigation I could see that it was a small round hole and suspected a pellet. The man was very shaken and shocked.
“Moments later several more shots were fired at us and the pellets could be heard bouncing around us so we called the police right away.
“A young girl was then hit on the leg and we also provided some first aid her her too. It was quite a scary event. It seemed to be a fairly high-powered air rifle being used.
“Several witnesses saw two men firing from a window in the vicinity of the old Downe Hospital. Police arrested the two men after one was seen carrying what appeared to be an air rifle in a box on the Ardglass Road.
“This was a totally unexpected incident and caused a lot of anxiety for local people. I was very reckless and dangerous. I hope both victims get over their trauma ok.”
