Man held in connection with Newry shooting
Detectives investigating a shooting in Newry, Co Down have arrested a man.
The suspect was detained shortly after 4am this morning in connection with the attack yesterday.
The 50-year-old victim who was hit in the stomach and knee was left fighting for his life in hospital.
It is understood at least two masked gunmen targeted the victim at or near his home in the Parkhead Crescent area, close to the staunchly republican Derrybeg estate, just after 6.30pm.
He was rushed to the nearby Daisy Hill hospital where he had emergency surgery.
The motive for the attack was unclear.
Dominic Bradley, SDLP Assemblyman for Newry and Armagh, said the shooting was unjustified.
“I was shocked to hear of the shooting of a man at Parkhead Cresent
I totally and utterly condemn this action. It cannot be justified by any aims, objectives or strategies,“ he said. ”I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it to the police without delay.“
Sinn Féin councillor in the area Charlie Casey also condemned those responsible.
He said: “If someone comes to shoot someone in their home, in the current climate where everyone is trying to work hard towards peace, it has to be totally condemned.
“We thought things like this had disappeared into the past. It is unfortunate and sad and if anyone knows anything about it then they should contact the police.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has appealed for any witnesses to contact CID in Newry or to give information anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity.
A PSNI spokeswoman confirmed the suspect was in custody and said he was “helping police with their enquiries”.
