Police have confirmed a man has died following a shooting incident in Waringstown last night (Monday 19th August).
Detectives from PSNI’s Major Investigation Team have now launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the man’s body in a car in the Main Street area of the village just before 9pm.
Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw said: “The man was found in his vehicle, which was parked at the rear of a filling station on Main Street in the village.
“Our enquiries are at a very early stage and I am appealing for anyone with information that could potentially assist our investigation to please get in touch by calling 101. Or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Main Street in Waringstown remains closed this morning. Diversions are in place.
DUP Upper Bann MLA Carla Lockhart condemned the shooting incident and has called on anyone with information to come forward to the police.
“It is shocking at anytime for someone to be shot in the constituency but more so in somewhere like Waringstown,” she added.
“It is a generally quiet village with a thriving population and I would condemn this in the strongest terms.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family caught up in this incident and would appeal to anyone with information to come forward to the police.
“They can be contacted anonymously via the confidential Crimestoppers hotline or on the 101 service.”
Alliance Lagan River councillor Eóin Tennyson added: “This represents a shocking and outrageous act of violence.
“There can be no place for guns on our streets in Waringstown or anywhere else in Northern Ireland.
“I am absolutely disgusted by this incident and it must be unequivocally condemned by all.
“I would urge anyone with information to please contact the PSNI.”
DUP councillor Mark Baxter said the local community is in shock.
“This is a quiet residential village and nothing like this would have happened here before,” he said.
Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd said: “The shooting of a man in Waringstown has left the local community absolutely shocked.
“This is a very quiet area and people are appalled by what has happened.
“A PSNI investigation is now underway and that must be allowed to proceed.”