Two men shot in Newry
Police in Newry are investigating whether two separate shooting incidents overnight are linked.
The first incident took place at around midnight in Sandys Street, when a man called to the door of a house, and following a verbal altercation, shot a 32 year old man 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 midnight 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. The Armagh Road was closed for a period of time but has since reopened.
Speaking to Newry Times, Superintendent Simon Walls said the police investigation into these incidents was at a very early stage. “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.
He added, “Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady condemned both attacks, saying there could be no justification for the shootings. “Details of what exactly happened are still coming through but regardless of the circumstances attacks like these are simply unacceptable,” he said.
“There can be no justification for armed people walking around our towns and cities and taking away those people that they deem guilty.
“I utterly condemn these attacks, wish those injured a full recovery and would call on anybody with any information to contact the PSNI and help get these gunmen off our streets,” he added.
SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley also condemned the shootings, one of which took place near his constituency office in the city. “I totally and utterly condemn this type of action and I call on those engaged in violence of this nature to desist from it.
“Many of us would like to believe that incidents of this type belong to the past but unfortunately there are those who still seem to want to pursue the violent route for whatever reason,” Bradley added.
SDLP Councillor Gary Stokes echoed his party colleague’s sentiments. “These were despicable acts with no possible justification and deserve nothing but condemnation. We must all oppose this as we have opposed all violence that came before and I reiterate the call for anyone with information to contact the police.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=52704