20/07/2023

Appeal For Information After Shots Fired At House In Newtownards

PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of a shooting incident in Newtownards.

Just before 1am this morning, Thursday 20 July, police were called to reports that shots had been fired at a house in the Stirling Avenue area.

Police have said that four people, including children, were in the house at the time. However, there were no reports of any injuries, in what police described as an "irresponsible and reckless attack which could have had extremely serious consequences".

Detective Sergeant Westbury said: "Everyone has the right to live free from the threat of violence, and our enquiries are an early stage to determine who was involved and a motive.

"At present, however, we are potentially linking this report to an ongoing investigation into criminal activity linked to a loyalist feud between drugs gangs in North Down.

"Paramilitaries are not defenders of their communities, instead they are criminals who prey on vulnerable people and exploit any circumstances they can for their own gain.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the Stirling Avenue area on Thursday morning shortly before 1am, and who noticed anything suspicious, or who may have dash-cam or mobile footage that could help with our investigation to get in touch.

"You can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 64 of 20/07/23 or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/."

Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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