Man shot in Banbridge car park

A man has been left in a serious condition after being shot in County Down.

Detectives have launched an investigation and are appealing for those with information to come forward.

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 in the Banbridge area.

The man was taken to hospital where his condition has been described as serious.

Detective Inspector Foley from the Police Service’s Serious Crime Branch said: “The Drone Hill Road and Rathfriland Road, including its off-slip and on-slip to the A1 dual carriageway, remain closed this afternoon, Saturday 13th April.

“Cordons are also in place as enquiries continue and we would advise road users to avoid these areas at this time. Local diversions are currently signposted.

“A man, aged in his 40s, who was shot in his abdomen by a masked man while in the car park on Rathfriland Road around 8pm, remains in a critical, but stable condition in hospital.

“Due to new evidence, we now believe the suspect made off from the scene in a silver-coloured Peugeot vehicle, rather than a Citroen car, as previously reported.

“A silver Peugeot vehicle was found burnt out a short time later in the Drone Hill Road area of Corbet.

“A 46-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy of murder remains in custody at this time, assisting detectives with their enquiries.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened or noticed anything suspicious, to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 1683 12/04/24.

“We would especially like to hear from anyone who may have any CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage of what happened. This information could greatly help with our enquiries.”

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/