Three gunmen fired into van in Belleek in Northern Ireland and are believed to have escaped into the Republic

Shots have been fired by masked men into a van outside a hotel close to the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

The armed trio turned up outside the Carlton hotel, in Belleek, shortly before 9.30am on Tuesday and fired at least one shot into the vehicle. It is believed to be owned by a local contractor.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said no one was injured in the shooting although a number of people were badly shaken by the attack.



A PSNI officer said teams were working closely with the Garda Síochána after reports that three men drove off into the Irish Republic following the incident.

PSNI Ch Insp Graham Dodds said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the area or anyone who has any information about this incident to contact police at Enniskillen on the non-emergency 101 number, quoting reference number 272 02/07/16. Alternatively, if you prefer to provide information without giving details, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800555111.”

The PSNI will be exploring whether there is any dissident republican link to the shooting.

Tom Elliott, the Ulster Unionist MP for Fermanagh/South Tyrone condemned those responsible for the shooting. He said: “Belleek is a quiet Fermanagh border village and this incident will have come as a complete shock to the local community.



“It is a reminder that we are still plagued by those who are intent on murder, attempted murder and disruption, and of dark days which we all want to put behind us.”