Two hurt in paramilitary shootings

Two men were today recovering in hospital after being injured in a paramilitary-style shooting in Co Down.

The incident is believed to have taken place in a field at Ballyreagh Rd, Newtownards, before 7pm last night.

Loyalist paramilitaries were thought to have been responsible for the shootings of the men, who are both in their 30s.

One was hit in both knees and the other in one leg but neither of their conditions was believed to be serious.

Meanwhile, a woman suffered cuts to her arms when a device, believed to be a pipe bomb, exploded shortly after 9pm last night.

The woman was treated by a GP and did not require hospital treatment.

In a separate incident a 41-year-old man was today due to appear in court in the city charged with riotous behaviour following disturbances in north Belfast’s Duncairn Gardens yesterday.