Fresh appeal for murder witnesses

Police investigating the murder of a man in Co Down a year ago have issued a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward.

Today marks the first anniversary of the murder of Mark Apsley, a 38-year-old father of two young children who was gunned down at his home in Ballygowan.

The shooting took place at 6.45pm on November 30, 2002 after Mr Apsley’s five-year-old son answered the door to a man who asked to speak to his father.

Mr Apsley came to the door where he was shot dead. His wife and two-year-old daughter were in the living room at the time.

Whilst detectives investigating the murder have carried out a number of searches and made two arrests, the murderers have not yet been identified.

Police do not believe the attack was sectarian and are following a definite line of inquiry.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Todd, who is leading the investigation has renewed the police appeal for information and hopes someone with vital evidence will come forward.

He would particularly like to speak with anyone who can help identify the small silver car thought to have been used by the killers which has not yet been recovered.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact Detectives at Newtownards.