A man has been shot dead and a woman is in critical condition following a shooting in Warrenpoint on Friday evening.
Police are currently investigating what is now a murder scene in the Lower Dromore Road area of the town.
A woman has also been rushed to Daisy Hill Hospital following the incident which happened at around 7.30pm. Her condition is being described as critical.
Sinn Fein MLA Sinead Ennis, posting on Twitter, said: “Making people aware that a serious incident has occurred in the Lower Dromore Road area in Warrenpoint.
“We have been in contact with PSNI who are at the scene. People should avoid the area if possible.
She added: “The community of Warrenpoint are shocked and stunned by this news.
“Our first thoughts are with the family of the victim. The PSNI have the area sealed off and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward to assist the investigation.”
Independent councillor Jarlath Tinnelly told the BBC it was a “shocking event in a very quiet residential area”.
“Warrenpoint generally would be a very quiet town and has seen nothing like this, certainly since the end of the Troubles,” he added.
“It’s an absolutely incredible scene and one that we thought we had all left behind many, many years ago.”
Police have opened a murder investigation and are appealing for anyone with information to contact detectives on 101.
SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley, speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, said it was “dreadful news” and “whatever the circumstances for someone to have lost their life is devastating news”.
