Detectives investigating an attempted murder in Crossmaglen close to the Monaghan border made four arrests this morning. The PSNI also issued a renewed appeal for information in relation to the incident which occurred on Monday, September 4th.
Four men - aged 35, 58 and two aged 31 - were arrested following searches in the Crossmaglen area. All four were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. They remain in custody at this time. The victim, a man aged in his 30s, was shot just after 6.10am as he sat inside his car, a silver-coloured Volkswagen Passat, in the Ballsmill Road area.
Superintendent Norman Haslett, the District Commander, said the victim was sitting in his car, parked on the Ballsmill Road, waiting for a connecting lift to work. He was then approached by a masked person, who fired a number of shots. The victim was shot in the arm and neck, but somehow managed to drive a short distance before calling for help.
In a statement issued to Northern Sound, Superintendent Haslett said this was a "shocking and callous act" which has left a man in a critical condition in hospital.
He added that the incident was also a pre-planned and targeted attack on a victim who parked his car in this particular location on a regular, daily basis. The PSNI are now appealing to anyone with information in relation to the attack which took place just after 6.10am on September 4th to get in touch.
Superintendent Norman Haslett continued; "Although this is a rural area, it’s also a road well-used by motorists for their morning journey to work, linking with onward routes to both Dublin and Belfast. Furthermore, there are many commuters who routinely park their cars in this area in order to share onward lifts to work.
"I’m asking anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to get in touch. Did you witness the attack, or anything untoward? For example, did you notice any vehicles parked on the Ballsmill Road that might not usually be there at the time of your morning commute? I’m particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have captured dash cam footage.
"Please contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 253 of 04/09/23. Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org"
