A SUSPECTED attacker, understood to have accidentally shot himself as he pursued his alleged victim in south Armagh, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
The 37-year-old man underwent surgery yesterday after being dumped at the entrance of a hospital in Newry by other men also alleged to have been involved in the assault.
The man is believed to be in a critical but stable condition.
The incident, which happened on Tuesday in Forkhill, is understood to relate to a dispute involving members of the Traveller community and is just the latest in a spate of escalating attacks.
In the latest incident a man was allegedly attacked by a gang while sitting in a parked car which was approached by up to four people in Park Urney. Damage was caused to the vehicle.
A 54-year-old man managed to get out of the car but was attacked as he tried to make his escape and received a head wound that required hospital treatment.
He eventually managed to flee and chased was by his attackers. Police believe one of the men - who was carrying a firearm - fell and sustained an accidental gunshot would to his stomach.
Police said at 6.31pm a 37-year-old man was driven to Daisy Hill Hospital in a blue Honda Accord where he was left outside before the vehicle sped off.
At around 8:20pm the car discovered burnt out in Mourne View Park in Newry.
Detective Inspector Handley said: “This was a reckless series of events and it only by sheer luck that we are not dealing with a tragic situation today.
“Two men ended up in hospital. However anyone who was in the vicinity last night could well have been caught up in this and injured.
"One of the suspects, aged 37, is reported to have fallen and sustained a gunshot wound to his stomach.
“Our investigation into these incidents is underway and we are working to establish a motive for what occurred."
Newry and Armagh Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady said: "The area is in shock over what has happened. This was a savage attack and something we do not want in our communities.
"There is no justification for this shooting and when guns are taken onto our streets there is a risk that anyone could be injured or killed.
"I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police and help get these dangerous criminals off our streets and away from our communities."
SDLP MLA for the area Justin McNulty said the "close knit community of Forkhill will be shocked and saddened by these events.
"It appears to be an escalation of an ongoing feud. It's scary and it must stop now."
