Man found shot dead in car in Northern Ireland

A man found shot dead in a car in Northern Ireland may have been the victim of a fall-out among criminals, it emerged today.

The body of Philip Strickland, 36, was discovered near Comber, Co Down.

A number of other vehicles were spotted in the area of the Ballydrain Road at the time of the shooting last night.

Police released few details about the murder, but according to some sources, one line of investigation being followed by detectives is that the shooting could be connected to a row among criminals. The victim was known to police.

Ballydrain Road is a rural, narrow route south of Comber, close to the Strangford Lough, and is popular with fishermen and yachtsmen. It is around 10-15 miles from Belfast. The area has been sealed off as detectives investigate and forensics experts searched the ground for clues.

Jonathan Bell, a Democratic Unionist Party member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, said the killing had caused real shock and horror. He added: "This action is so out of character for this area and totally unrepresentative of the community."

PA