Political representatives across North Down have united in condemnation of a shooting which left a man in his 30s with significant injuries in what police said was a “brutal” attack.
The man was approached by an unknown male at a grass area near Ganaway Walk, Bangor, and shot once in his leg in the early hours of Thursday morning.
North Down DUP MLA Stephen Dunne said the community will be “alarmed” following the shooting.
“There is absolutely no place for this type of activity on our streets, and there can never be any justification for an attack like this,” he added.
“The local community is understandably shocked and alarmed at this incident. I would urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI immediately.”
Bangor DUP councillor Jennifer Gilmour appealed for calm in the area following the shooting.
“It was shocking to hear of the brutality of the attack,” she said..
“Attacks like this must be condemned by all and my thoughts are with the injured man and his family.
“I would appeal for calm in the area,” she added.
“Regardless of the reasons, police are there to deal with these matters and I would encourage anyone who has information to contact the PSNI so those responsible for this shooting can be brought to justice.”
PSNI officers and ambulance staff attended the scene and the injured man was taken to hospital for treatment.
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Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “This was a brutal attack which has left the victim traumatised and with significant injuries. People involved in carrying out this type of attack do not represent the interests of any community, nor do they contribute anything to communities. They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent. No one has the right to violate the rights of others.
There was further condemnation from Alliance Bangor councillor Hannah Irwin who called the attack “harrowing” and said “such violence has no place in Bangor”.
“This is a harrowing incident, and I share everyone’s shock at such senseless violence having taken place in our city,” she added.
“My thoughts and sympathies are with the victim and their family, and I hope they are receiving all the support they need as they recover.
“There is absolutely no place for this in our community, or society at large. The perpetrators represent no one other than themselves, and seek to achieve nothing other than inflicting terror and harm on our community.”
DCI Brennan added: “Our enquiries are at an early stage and we would appeal for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact us.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the shooting and who may have CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage which could be of assistance on 101, reference number 6 18/07/24.”