A person is “critically ill” in hospital and a number of roads are closed as police attend a “shooting incident” in Co Down.
In a statement issued just before 10pm on Friday night, April 12, police said they are at the scene of an “ongoing incident” in the Rathfriland Road area of Banbridge.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has confirmed one person has been taken to hospital.
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DUP MP Carla Lockhart has said the incident is a shooting in which “an individual has been wounded and is critically ill.”
A spokesperson for the NIAS 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.”
A number of roads in the area are closed, including the off-slip and on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway. The Drone Hill Road in Corbet is also closed with police in attendance.
It has been reported that the police helicopter is in the air circling the area.
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are currently at the scene of ongoing incident in the Rathfriland Road area of Banbridge. The off-slip and on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway at the flyover are both closed.
“The Drone Hill Road in Corbet is also closed with police in attendance. Will update in due course.”
Follow our live blog below for updates on this developing story as we get them.
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23:44Key Event
PSNI statement as man in his 40s arrested after shooting incident
Detectives have launched an investigation following the shooting of a man in Banbridge tonight, Friday 12th April.
Police have launched an investigation after the shooting of a man in Banbridge tonight.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Shortly after 8pm, it was reported that a man aged in his 40s had been shot in his abdomen while in the car park on Rathfriland Road. Taken to hospital, 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. A link is being explored between a vehicle reported on fire some 20 minutes later in the Drone Hill Road area of Corbet.
“A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with the investigation and remains in custody at this time.
“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/. “
23:37Jane Corscadden
Police remain at the scene
Police remain at the scene of a ‘shooting incident’ in Banbridge this evening.
It has been reported that a number of cars in the area have also been set alight in the Co Down town.
23:08Jane Corscadden
PSNI holding two scenes in Banbridge as hospitalised individual ‘critically ill’
Local 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.
“Motorists are advised to avoid the Rathfriland Road and Drone Hill Road areas. Please allow the PSNI time and space to investigate this serious incident.”
23:04Jane Corscadden
Where is the incident taking place?
The ongoing incident is in the Rathfriland Road area of Banbridge, Co Down.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they were called at 20:06 following reports of an incident in the Tullyear Close area of the town, with one person taken by ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
23:00Jane Corscadden
Which roads are closed in the area?
A number of roads remain closed including the off-slip and on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway near Rathfriland Road.
The Drone Hill Road in Corbet is also closed with police in attendance.
22:27Key Event
One person taken to hospital
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has confirmed one person has been taken to hospital amid an “ongoing incident” in Banbridge.
A spokesperson for the NIAS 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.”
22:17Jane Corscadden
Trafficwatch warning as number of roads closed
Trafficwatch NI have advised motorists travelling on the A1 that the Rathfriland Road is currently closed at its junction with the dual carriageway.
22:11Jane Corscadden
Police helicopter circling area
A map shows the police helicopter circling in the air above Banbridge on Friday night.
22:03Key Event
Police statement
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police are currently at the scene of ongoing incident in the Rathfriland Road area of Banbridge. The off-slip and on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway at the flyover are both closed.
“The Drone Hill Road in Corbet is also closed with police in attendance. Will update in due course.”
22:03Jane Corscadden
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We will have updates on this developing story here as we get them.
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.
