Two Overnight Shootings in Newry

Two separate shooting incidents have occurred overnight in Newry city and Detectives have appealed for information.

The first incident took place at around midnight at Sandys Street in Newry, when a man was reported to have called to the door of a house, and, following a verbal altercation, shot the 32 year old male 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 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 remains closed at this time as enquiries continue and diversions are in place at the Derrywilligan Road and Bessbrook Road.

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.”

Local politicians have been quick to condemn the incidents. Commenting on the shootings SDLP MLA for Newry and Armagh Dominic Bradley said “ 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.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information whatsoever about these incidents to bring it to the PSNI without any delay.”

Cllr Gary Stokes added, “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.”

Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady said 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.”