Parents and children in shock as well known criminal is shot outside primary school

Shocked parents had to collect children from a Craigavon primary school yards from where a well known criminal had been shot.
The scene of the shooting at St Brendan's Primary School in Craigavon.The scene of the shooting at St Brendan's Primary School in Craigavon.
The scene of the shooting at St Brendan's Primary School in Craigavon.

The man has been named locally as Jim Carlisle.

Mr Carlisle has a criminal record and is well known to the police.

At least seven shots were heard at the time of the shooting shortly after 3pm.

The windows of a Peugeot car parked on a pavement across the road from the school had been shot out.

At the scene, paramedic equipment could be seen on the road beside an Ulsterbus which was parked outside the school.

Some concerned parents arrived at the school soon after the police cordon went up around the shot up car and were redirected to another route to collect their children.

Several voiced disgust that a shooting took place outside a primary school just as young children were leaving.

One parent contacted the Lurgan Mail to say: “I want to pay tribute to the teachers who carefully escorted children out of the way and got the situation under control.”

A spokeswoman for St Brendan’s Primary School said “all appropriate procedures were quickly and effectively followed in relation to the safety and wellbeing of our pupils”.

“At this stage the school is hoping to open as normal tomorrow,” the spokeswoman added.

Detectives investigating 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 in Lurgan at 3.21pm this afternoon may be linked to the shooting.

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “We are very keen to trace the movement of this car this afternoon. If you noticed this vehicle or have any information in relation to the shooting, please contact us in Lurgan on 101.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “At 3.09pm this afternoon, 21 March, police received a report of a shooting near a primary school. It is believed shots were fired from a car and a man has sustained a number of injuries. He is currently receiving medical treatment.”

Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said: “The area was very busy and we believe a number of people may have witnessed this shooting. We would ask anyone who has information to contact us as soon as possible so we can progress our investigation.

“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. If you have information, please phone us on 101.”