Published Date: 30.04.2003

The Police Ombudsman's Office is investigating an incident in County Antrim last night during which two men were shot by police officers.  One of the men later died in hospital.

The incident happened in the village of Upper Ballinderry shortly after seven o'clock when two police vehicles attempted to stop a red Vauxhall Cavalier - registration number L-D-Z-2-6-8-7- as it drove along the Crumlin Road.

A police officer who then got out of one of the police vehicles was struck by the Cavalier and injured. It's believed police then fired a number of shots at the Vauxhall, injuring  the occupants.

Both men were transferred to hospital where one man later died. His name has not been released yet. The condition of the other man is not believed to be life threatening.

Police Ombudsman staff have begun a full investigation into the shooting and surrounding circumstances.

The area has remained cordoned off overnight and a forensic examination of the scene and of the vehicles is expected to begin later today. The Police Ombudsman's Office has confirmed that a weapon found in the Vauxhall will also be examined.

The Police Ombudsman's Executive Director of Investigations, David Wood, has said his officers have begun what will be a full and thorough investigation into the circumstances of what happened last night. He said a Police Ombudsman Family Liaison Team is in contact with the deceased's family.

Mr Wood also issued this appeal: "I would ask that anyone who was in the area last night and saw what happened to contact us. Their information will be treated in the strictest confidence. The telephone number is 028 90 828695," he said.

ENDS