A MAN has been found shot dead near a petrol station in Co Down.
The victim’s body was discovered in a car parked to the rear of the filling station in Waringstown just before 9pm on Monday, August 20.
The man is believed to have been a loyalist.
As of Tuesday morning, August 21, the petrol station remains sealed off.
A statement from the Police Service of Northern Ireland confirmed a murder inquiry has been launched and are calling for anyone with information to come forward.
DCI Michelle Shaw said: “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.”
Police are at the scene of a shooting incident in the Main Street area of Waringstown. Main Street has been closed and diversions are in place. There are no further details at this time.
— Police Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (@PSNIABC) August 19, 2019
SDLP Upper Bann MLA Dolores Kelly told the BBC that the local community was reeling from the incident.
"This is a quiet, settled village and people are appalled that violence has been brought on to their streets,” she said.
DUP Upper Bann MLA Carla Lockhart also condemned the shooting.
"It is shocking at any time for someone to be shot in the constituency, but more so in somewhere like Waringstown," she said.
"It is a generally quiet village with a thriving population."
See More: Co Down, Murder, Petrol Station, Shooting
