CHILDREN were left terrified after a man was shot and injured outside a primary school as children were heading home for the day.

Shots were fired from a car near St Brendan’s Primary School in Craigavon, Co Armagh.

The victim, a well known criminal, was hit a number of times during the gun attack just after 3 pm.

Local police boss Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “There are no words to describe the foolhardiness and complete disregard for the safety of the children and parents who were in the area at the time.”

Schoolchildren boarding a bus at the school gates are said to have witnessed the shooting.

BBC News NI’s home affairs correspondent Vincent Kearney said the victim is a well-known criminal.

The man is said to be receiving treatment to his injuries.

Police said they believe a black BMW 525 Sport that was found on fire in the Deramore Drive in Lurgan a short time later could be linked to the shooting.

Added Chief Inspector Burrows: “The area was very busy and we believe a number of people may have witnessed this shooting.

“We would ask anyone who has information to contact us as soon as possible so we can progress our investigation.”