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22/02/2002
Finger pointed at Republicans for Castlewellan murder
The police in Northern Ireland have said they do not believe the murder of a man in County Down was sectarian but think that it may have been drugs related.
Matthew Burns (26) was shot dead and his brother injured when their car was raked by gunfire only yards from their home outside the town of Castlewellan on Thursday February 21. Republicans are being blamed for the attack.
Mr Burns' brother, who was driving a white Toyota car, suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and arms and is being treated in hospital.
A number of shots were fired at the vehicle at the junction of the Dublin Road and Burrenbridge Road just after 7pm on Thursday.
The police said they do not know how many people were involved in the attack but that they believe a shotgun was used.
Mr Burns, who was sitting in the passenger seat, was shot in the back and died at the scene. His had recently become a father.
Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy described the incident as an "outrageous attack for which there could be no justification".
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White described it as a "cold-blooded, ruthless murder" which had been planned.
Offering condolences to the family, he added: "This was an atrocious murder and I want to join with local councillors in condemning it. Whatever the motive behind it, nothing justifies the murder of a young man."
The police are appealing for anyone who has information to contact them on 02844615011.
(AMcE)
Matthew Burns (26) was shot dead and his brother injured when their car was raked by gunfire only yards from their home outside the town of Castlewellan on Thursday February 21. Republicans are being blamed for the attack.
Mr Burns' brother, who was driving a white Toyota car, suffered gunshot wounds to his chest and arms and is being treated in hospital.
A number of shots were fired at the vehicle at the junction of the Dublin Road and Burrenbridge Road just after 7pm on Thursday.
The police said they do not know how many people were involved in the attack but that they believe a shotgun was used.
Mr Burns, who was sitting in the passenger seat, was shot in the back and died at the scene. His had recently become a father.
Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy described the incident as an "outrageous attack for which there could be no justification".
Assistant Chief Constable Stephen White described it as a "cold-blooded, ruthless murder" which had been planned.
Offering condolences to the family, he added: "This was an atrocious murder and I want to join with local councillors in condemning it. Whatever the motive behind it, nothing justifies the murder of a young man."
The police are appealing for anyone who has information to contact them on 02844615011.
(AMcE)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
