By Caoimhe Hegarty
A man found seriously injured with a head wound in a car outside Moneymore, County Derry, had been shot, police confirmed tonight. The man is currently in a critical condition in hospital in Belfast.
Detectives are appealing for information in relation to the incident which happened on Friday, 9 March.
Detective Chief Inspector Will Tate said: "Following extensive enquiries and medical reports police are now able to confirm that the 22 year old man who was found slumped inside a vehicle on the Carndaisy Road by a passer-by at 9.50pm had sustained a gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to hospital where he remains undergoing treatment.
"We would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Carndaisy Road area of Moneymore on the evening of Friday, 9 March or anyone who has information which may be of assistance to police enquiries to contact Detectives at Cookstown on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1484 09/03/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
A spokesperson for the Belfast Trust confirmed that the man is being treated at The Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast where his condition was tonight described as ‘critical.’
It is understood that the young man worked as a delivery driver for a local pizza company.
Sinn Féin councillor Peter Bateson said: “This incident must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. There is no place in the community for incidents of this nature.
“This young man comes from a well-known and respected family from the Newbridge/ Ballymaguigan area."
SEE TOMORROW'S COUNTY DERRY POST FOR MORE DETAILS
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