Banbridge car park shooting investigation: man (39) released on police bail

He had been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder after detectives investigating the shooting of a man in a car park at Rathfriland Road searched two properties in the Mullaghbawn and Banbridge areas yesterday (Wednesday, April 17).

In a statement this morning (Thursday, April 18) police said the injured man, aged in his 40s, remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

A 46-year-old man arrested earlier in connection with the incident was released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.

A number of items were recovered during the searches and have been taken away for further examination.

Speaking after Friday’s incident, Detective Inspector Foley, from the PSNI’s Serious Crime Branch, said they believe the suspect made off from the scene in a silver-coloured Peugeot vehicle. A silver Peugeot vehicle was found burnt out a short time later in the Drone Hill Road area of Corbet.

Officers continue to appeal for information and would ask anyone who could assist with their enquiries to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1683 12/04/24.

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DUP Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart also urged anyone who can help with police enquiries to get in touch. #

"I would encourage anyone with any information to come forward to the PSNI either via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111. Please allow the PSNI time and space to investigate this serious incident,” she said.

Alliance Upper Bann MLA Eóin Tennyson said: "I utterly condemn this sickening attack, as will any right-thinking individual. My thoughts are with the victim of this terrible incident, who I hope makes a full recovery from his injuries.

"The local community in Banbridge has been left shocked by this shooting. I appeal to anyone with information on this incident to contact police with it immediately.”