Police seal off scene in Warrenpoint after a man was shot dead and a woman left critically injured

DETECTIVES have launched a murder inquiry after a man was blasted to death last night.

Officers have named the man shot dead on Friday night as 37-year-old Wayne Boylan.

A 21-year-old woman is also fighting for her life following the shooting.

It happened on the Lower Dromore Road in Warrenpoint, close to the town’s golf club, at around 7.30pm.

The injured woman was rushed to Newry’s Daisy Hill Hospital for emergency treatment with what police said were serious injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce from the PSNI’s Major Investigation Team said: “It’s understood two men entered a property on Lower Dromore Road at around 7.30pm last night and fatally shot Mr Boylan

“A 21-year-old woman also sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to hospital where her condition this morning is believed to be critical.

“A motive for the incident has not yet been established and I am appealing for information. I would particularly like to hear from anyone who was in the area last night and who may have seen two men or any vehicles fleeing from the scene immediately after the shooting.

“Major Investigation Team detectives can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference 1115 18/01/19.”

Checkpoints were set up across the area and PSNI tactical support officers were also seen in the area.

Local councillor SDLP councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick said: “My thoughts are with those who are involved. It’s absolutely shocking news. More details will come out as to what has happened but it is absolutely dreadful that this has happened in such a quiet community.”

Local Independent councillor Jarlath Tinnelly also expressed shock at the murder.

“I have been told by police that a male has been shot dead tonight on the Lower Dromore Road, and there is a girl injured and taken to hospital.

“Warrenpoint generally would be a very quiet town and has seen nothing like this certainly since the end of the Troubles,” Mr Tinnelly said.