Man dies following North shooting

Police in the North have launched a murder inquiry after a man blasted in the chest with a shotgun died in hospital.

The 36-year-old victim was fatally injured following a violent altercation between two groups of foreign nationals in Kilkeel, Co Down, last night.

Another man was shot in the leg during the incident in the Rooney Park area around 10.30pm.

Police have arrested three men – aged 26, 31 and 36 – in connection with the murder.

They said the investigation is at an early stage and appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The suspects are being questioned at the Serious Crime Suite in Antrim.

South Down MP and SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie said the community had been left in shock.

“This has to be condemned, gun crime has the ability to utterly devastate entire families and communities,” she said.

“This is in stark contrast to the way of life in Kilkeel and the much good work that has gone on in the area at community level.

“Easter Sunday is a time for spending with family and friends. Unfortunately, two families will be in turmoil today.

“I urge anybody with information to pass it to the police.”

DUP South Down Assembly candidate Jim Wells said there was an ongoing feud between Eastern Europeans living in the area.

“The shooting seems to have been the culmination of a series of chaotic events in the town over the course of Saturday evening,” he said.

“The community is shocked that this feud, which was not of their making, spilled on to the streets of their town on such an important weekend in the Christian calendar. I unreservedly condemn those involved in all aspects of this feud.

“It is welcome that the PSNI is already making arrests and progressing the investigation. It is vital that those responsible for all murderous deeds on Saturday evening are convicted and removed from our streets.”

It is understood the 36-year-old suspect is the man who sustained the gunshot wound to his leg.

He was receiving treatment in hospital today while the other two detained men continued to be questioned by police in Antrim.