PSNI shoot man dead at checkpoint

A man has been shot dead by police at a vehicle checkpoint in Ballynahinch, County Down.

A police spokesman said a number of shots were fired at a silver BMW in Church Street at 1130 BST on Sunday.

It is understood the man who died had been driving the vehicle. Three men and two women who were also in the car have been arrested.

The Police Ombudsman's senior director of investigations, Justin Felice, has launched an inquiry into the incident.

Mr Felice said his investigators had taken "control of the scene and would examine all the circumstances leading up to this incident".

Appeal

"I would like to make a witness appeal for anybody who may have seen this incident to contact the Police Ombudsman's office," he said.

DUP assembly member Jim Wells said: "It was a surprise and a shock for somewhere like Ballynahinch which normally is quite quiet on Easter Sunday except for people going through to Newcastle.

SDLP assembly member Margaret Ritchie said she wished to "extend her sympathy to the family of the bereaved at this Easter time".

"The use of weapons is ultimately the last step that must be taken to bring a situation under control and I believe it is right and proper that the Police Ombudsman's office is investigating this matter," she said.

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