Shooting link to 'local dispute'

The shooting happened in Newcastle, County Down

A shooting incident in which four men were injured in County Down was part of a dispute between individuals, a Sinn Fein assembly member has claimed.

The shooting happened in the Burrendale Park Road area of Newcastle, at about 0300 BST.

Local people said young people were standing on a grass verge, when a jeep pulled up and one of the occupants opened fire.

One man suffered a leg wound, the others had superficial injuries.

It is believed that a shotgun was used.

Residents of the estate are "shocked" at the shooting.

Teresa Clancy, Murlough Community Association, said: "This is a very peaceful, quiet community.

Teresa Clancy said it was a very peaceful community

"It is an estate that was built in the 70s to cope with the beginning of the troubles."

Mrs Clancy said that at times, over the years, the estate had had "a bad name".

"Over this last four or five years, the Burrendale estate is a place where people want to live, not want to get out of.

"This has indeed frightened some people and annoyed them," she added.

Sinn Fein's Willie Clarke said his party was working to resolve a dispute.

"It has escalated out of control in our opinion," Mr Clarke said.

"We need the community to get involved in it.

"We need to set up community restorative justice where the community comes together and begins to solve problems within the community to make it a safer environment for everybody."

Mr Clarke said his party would mediate between the two factions where possible.

It is believed a Nissan Terrrano car was in the area when the shootings took place.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have information concerning the incident to contact them.