Man 'stable' after Newry shooting

By Iveren McCallion

A man is continuing to receive hospital treatment after being shot  in Newry last night.

The victim, in his 50's, was answering the door of his property in Drumgullion Avenue when it happened around 8:15pm last night (Tuesday).

He was shot in the hip.

A spokeperson for the Southern Trust said he is in a stable condition at Daisy Hill Hospital.

This woman told Q Radio that the community has been 'shaken' by the shooting. She lives in the avenue and was visiting a neighbour across the road from where it happened:

Police are investigating a link to a burnt out car discovered in Violet Hill Avenue near St Patrick's Primary School a short time later.

Detective Sergeant James Johnston said, "Shortly after 8.15pm police received a report that a man in his 50s had been shot in the hip whilst answering his front door. The man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening at this time. A Grey Peugeot 206 was reported on fire a short distance away in Violet Hill Avenue, just after the shooting occurred. Police are investigating if the vehicle is linked to the incident. 

He continued, "This was a callous and brazen attack in which the injured party could easily have lost their life and a motive for it remains unclear at present.  I would appeal that anyone with information or who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Drumgullion area contact Detectives at Ardmore on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1331 of 24/10/17. Alternatively, if someone would prefer to provide information anonymously they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Newry and Armagh MP Mickey Brady condemned the shooting saying, "There can be no place for these brutal actions in our society." He added, it's "an attack on the whole community in Newry."

Local councillor for the area Michael Savage also condemned it as a "wreckless act". Click or tap below to listen: