Man dies in suspected accident at clay pigeon shooting club

A man has died in a suspected accident at a clay pigeon shooting club event near Downpatrick, Co Down.

Police in Northern Ireland are investigating the circumstances of the incident on Sunday.

“A man aged in his 60s died after a firearm was discharged,” PSNI Detective Inspector Will Tate said.

“We will be conducting a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this death, but initial enquiries would indicate this to be a tragic accident,” he added.

The death is understood to have happened near Killough.

SDLP MP Margaret Ritchie said that she was “deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death”

“Undoubtedly, the family and friends of this man are experiencing unspeakable grief and my deepest sympathies are with them at this time.

“The local community in Downpatrick and further afield will stand shoulder to shoulder with the family of the bereaved and friends,” she said.

The sport involves shooting a firearm at special flying targets, known as clay pigeons.

PA