Paramilitary link to man killed in Newtownards shooting

The man who was shot dead by a gunman in Newtownards this morning was reportedly a member of a loyalist paramilitary group.

A caller using a recognised codeword claimed that the man was a senior figure in the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

The victim was sitting in a car outside Regent House Grammar School on the Circular Road at around 11.30am this morning when a gunman fired several times into the car. The victim died at short time afterwards.

A child who was sitting in the backseat of the car at the time was not injured. A second man who was in the car was also uninjured in the shooting.

Shortly after the shooting, a motorcycle carrying two people was seen speeding towards the Ards Shopping Centre.

Security Minister Jane Kennedy said: "Another man has effectively been executed by cold-blooded gangsters who believe they are above the law. This barbaric murder could have been even more tragic, as it was carried out while a very young child was in the car.

"Yet another family has been bereaved and I express my sympathy to them. I urge anyone with any information to assist the police with their investigation."

UUP assembly member for Strangford, Tom Hamilton, condemned the shooting, saying: “No cause is worth the taking of a life. It is disturbing that such an attack took place in broad daylight and that the life of a young child was also put at risk.

“It is also concerning that the attack happened close to a local school and the lives of young people could have been put in jeopardy.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact detectives at Newtownards on 028 9181 8080.

(GMcG)