Police have launched an investigation after a man was shot in the abdomen in a Co Down town.
Shortly after 8pm on Friday, April 12, police received a report that a man in his 40s had been shot in the abdomen while in a car park on the Rathfriland Road in Banbridge. He was taken to hospital where his condition has been described as “serious.”
The driver of a silver Citroen vehicle then made off from the scene southbound on the A1 dual carriageway. In a statement, police said a link is being explored between a vehicle reported on fire some 20 minutes later in the Drone Hill Road area of Corbet.
Read more: One person hospitalised amid ‘shooting’ in Co Down town
A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with the investigation and remains in custody at this time.
A spokesperson for the PSNI added: “The Drone Hill Road and Rathfriland Road, including its off-slip and on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway, remain closed with cordons in place as enquiries continue. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1683 12/04/24. Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“You can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 20:06 following reports of an incident in the Tullyear Close area of Banbridge.
“NIAS despatched a Rapid Response Paramedic and an Emergency Crew to the incident. Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by ambulance to RVH in Belfast.”
DUP MP Carla Lockhart said: “Police are currently holding two scenes in the Banbridge area due to an ongoing incident. Police are currently investigating a shooting in which an individual has been wounded and is critically ill.
“I would encourage anyone with any information to come forward to the PSNI either via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111. Please allow the PSNI time and space to investigate this serious incident.”
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William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
