Condemnation after man shot dead in Waringstown - and MLA in appeal for calm

Q Radio News

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was found shot dead at a petrol station in Co Down.

The incident took place in Main Street in the village of Waringstown on Monday night.

The victim has been named locally as Malcolm McKeown. He was found dead in his car parked at the rear of the filling station just before 9pm.

It is understood the incident is not initially being linked to dissident republican activity.

A car was found burnt out at Glenavon Lane on the outskirts of Lurgan shortly after the shooting.

🎥 Local man tells @qnewsdesk he and his young children were “seconds away” from being caught up in tonight’s shooting at a petrol station in Waringstown near Lurgan. Saw body. Distressed relatives have been at the scene of the gun attack. pic.twitter.com/7oSpBrQaUq

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 19, 2019

Police Service of Northern Ireland Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw said: "The man was found in his vehicle, which was parked at the rear of a filling station on Main Street in the village.

"Our inquiries are at a very early stage and I am appealing for anyone with information that could potentially assist our investigation to please get in touch by calling 101.

"Or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

🎥 Car found burnt out Glenavon Lane, Lurgan, after Waringstown shooting ... pic.twitter.com/RVurOzXxei

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 19, 2019

Policing Board member and local MLA Dolores Kelly has branded it "a violent murder."

Another Assembly member for the constituency, Carla Lockhart, is appealing for calm in the aftermath of the killing...

DUP leader Arlene Foster said the shooting appeared to be linked to a criminal gang.

"It was disturbing and very worrying last night, it does appear it is the work of a criminal gang and we do call on everyone in the area and wider to work with the police service to try to bring these people to justice, it is very concerning," she told BBC Radio Ulster.

"Waringstown is a very quiet village, a village where people get up in the morning and go to their work, come home in the evening and look after their children, and to be confronted with this is a real shock for them."

Sinn Fein Assembly member John O'Dowd condemned the attack.

"The shooting of a man in Waringstown has left the local community absolutely shocked," he said.

"This is a very quiet area and people are appalled by what has happened. A PSNI investigation is now under way and that must be allowed to proceed.

"I would encourage anyone with information on what happened to bring it forward to the police."

The SDLP's Upper Bann Assembly Member Dolores Kelly said: "The local community is in shock this evening after the violent murder of a man in a shooting in Waringstown.

"This is a quiet, settled village and people are appalled that violence has been brought on to their streets."

🎥 @allianceparty statement on Waringstown: Alliance representatives @EoinTennyson and @stewartcdickson express shock after man shot dead. “This is a shocking incident, people stunned by tonight’s events,” said Councillor Tennyson. Forensic examination continues into early hours. pic.twitter.com/DULQcgAhcB

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 19, 2019

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community.

Families with young children were in the area around the time of the attack...

Distressed relatives visited the scene of the shooting. 

This woman says her thoughts are with the family...

Jonathan Fee was shocked to find himself at the latest violent incident in the Craigavon area...

Shocked local man Jonathan Fee arrives at scene of Waringstown shooting ... pic.twitter.com/itdLe1uPK1

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 19, 2019

Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Shaw said: “The man was found in his vehicle, which was parked at the rear of a filling station on Main Street in the village.

"Our enquiries are at a very early stage and I am appealing for anyone with information that could potentially assist our investigation to please get in touch by calling 101. Or alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

Main Street in Waringstown remains closed this morning. Diversions are in place. 

🎥 Last night’s murder of 54 year old Malcolm McKeown in Waringstown has shocked the local community - and visitors. Australian tourist Alexa Patalano says she was assured this type of violence in NI was consigned to history. “It’s very, very alarming - to say the least...” pic.twitter.com/CgGtBw7hIH

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 20, 2019