Couple injured in pub gun attack

A Northern Ireland Assembly member today condemned as reckless a gunman who launched an attack in a bar which wounded a man and a woman.

SDLP Assembly member Dominic Bradley condemned the shooting which stunned customers in McSwiggan’s pub in Water Street, Newry, near the border, last night.

As detectives tried to establish why the couple was targeted, locals did not believe the incident was sectarian.

Police said a masked gunman, armed with a handgun, entered the bar at around 7.30pm and fired a number of shots.

The man and woman suffered bullet wounds to the legs during the attack and were taken to Daisy Hill Hospital.

Their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

Newry and Armagh MLA Mr Bradley described McSwiggan’s as a well-run establishment which had no history of such incidents.

The bar is owned by the son of a local SDLP councillor, Frank Feely.

Mr Bradley said: “I understand that the incident was not sectarian and I am glad that, as far as I understand, neither person was seriously injured.

“Nevertheless, to fire at anyone in a crowded bar is reckless in the extreme and must be condemned by all. I had hoped that we had put this type of incident behind us for all time.

“Those who indulge in this type of irresponsible behaviour must soon realise that the people of Newry want none of it and want to be left alone to live their lives in peace.”

Sinn Féin Assemblyman Davy Hyland said locals were shocked and concerned.

“Whilst the exact details are unclear, I would share the concern and shock of all local people on the news of this incident,” he said.

The incident was also condemned by Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy.