Police have opened a murder investigation following the fatal shooting of a man in Kilkeel last night.
The shooting happened at around 10.30pm at Rooney Park in the town. Police said two shots were fired during an altercation between two groups of foreign nationals.
Police said they believe the disturbances were triggered in the Hawood Way area of the town around 9pm when a group of people attacked a house.
The dispute then moved to Rooney Park where the shooting took place.
A 36-year-old man was shot in the chest and died later in hospital. A second man was shot in the leg but his condition is not thought to be serious.
The injured man, also 36, is receiving treatment in hospital today and is expected to be questioned by police later. Two other men detained in connection with the shooting are being questioned by police in Antrim.
South Down MP and SDLP leader Margaret Ritchie said the community had been left in shock.
“This has to be condemned, gun crime has the ability to utterly devastate entire families and communities,” she said.
“This is in stark contrast to the way of life in Kilkeel and the much good work that has gone on in the area at community level.
“Easter Sunday is a time for spending with family and friends. Unfortunately, two families will be in turmoil today.
“I urge anybody with information to pass it to the police.”