Northern Ireland

Banbridge shooting: Police investigating attempted murder of man make specific witness appeal

Detectives are asking for the occupant of a white van parked nearby to contact them

Police forensics officers pictured examining a taxi believed to be linked to the shooting incident in Banbridge last month. PICTURE: ALAN LEWIS
Police forensics officers pictured examining a taxi believed to be linked to the shooting incident in Banbridge last month. PICTURE: ALAN LEWIS (Photopress Belfast)

Police investigating the attempted murder of a man in Co Down last month have made a specific witness appeal.

Detectives are asking for the occupant of a white van parked in the vicinity of a Banbridge car park where a shooting took place on April 12 to contact them.

Brian McCourt, who is in his forties, was shot by a masked man in a car park in the Rathfriland Road area.

Mr McCourt, from the Banbridge area, was struck in the abdomen and remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

In a specific appeal to a person who may have witnessed the shooting, a PSNI spokesperson said: “This morning, Wednesday 1st May, we are asking the occupant of a white van who was observed in the vicinity of the park and share, Rathfriland Road, Banbridge at the time of the shooting, to make contact with police.

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“The shooting occurred at approximately 8pm that evening – and we believe the person inside the van could potentially assist with our ongoing enquiries.

“We are very keen to speak with them.



“To date, three men aged 39, 46 and 34, have been arrested in connection with the investigation.

“They are currently on police bail as enquiries continue.

“I would reiterate our appeal that we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what happened or noticed anything suspicious, to make contact with police on 101, quoting reference number 1683 12/04/24.

“We would especially like to hear from anyone who may have any CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage of what happened.

“This information could greatly help with our enquiries.”