A critical incident team is being sent to St Brendan’s Primary School in Craigavon today (Tuesday) after a man was shot six times outside the school yesterday evening.
It is understood that young children boarding a bus witnessed the incident, which happened as they prepared to make their way home from school.
The man is believed to have been struck a number of times and is described as being in a stable condition.
Education Minister John O’Dowd has condemned those behind the attack and commended school staff.
Minister O’Dowd said: “The blatant disregard for the safety of pupils, their parents, and school staff at St Brendan’s Primary School cannot be justified.
“Such incidents cause distress to young and old alike. The emotional well being of pupils is paramount and I have asked for a critical incident team to be dispatched to the school to offer support and assistance.
“I also want to commend school staff who reacted courageously during and after the attack, to ensure the safety of their pupils.
“The actions of St Brendan’s staff are in stark contrast to those who carried this attack.”
Man shot in Craigavon named locally as Jim Carlisle pic.twitter.com/of4e58hWsf
— Connla Young (@ConnlaYoung) March 21, 2016
The shooting happened shortly after 3pm when children were leaving the school.
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.”
Detectives investigating the shooting in Moyraverty have issued a further appeal for information.
Police believe a black BMW 525 Sport, reg JIG 8111, which was found on fire in Deramore Drive at 3.21pm yesterday, may be linked to the shooting.
Chief Inspector Burrows said investigating officers were keen to trace the movements of this car yesterday afternoon.
“If you noticed this vehicle or have any information in relation to the shooting, please contact us in Lurgan on 101,” he added.
The Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Darryn Causby has also condemned the attack.
“I completely and utterly condemn the shooting of a man outside St Brendan’s PS in Craigavon,” he said.
“I am completely aghast that anyone would fire shots outside a primary school, putting the lives of adults and children at severe risk. Whoever has carried this out is the lowest of the low with a blatant disregard for human life.
“There is no room in our progressive and peaceful society for attacks like this and I would encourage anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, concerning the perpetrators to contact the local PSNI without delay.
“It is imperative that those responsible for this reckless behaviour are brought to justice.”
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