Newry shooting victim was Mark Lovell, aged 58

Mark Lovell was shot while he was driving his car at Ardcarn Park in Newry

The 58-year-old man who was shot dead in Newry on Thursday was Mark Lovell.

He was shot several times at close range at about 18:00 GMT and died at the scene.

He had been driving towards his home in Ardcarn Park when the attack happened.

Police said one line of inquiry was that the shooting was part of a cross-border crime feud linked to drugs.

Det Ch Insp Anthony Kelly said Mr Lovell was "callously gunned down".

"Mark Lovell was a much-loved husband and father," said the detective.

Forensic officers spent much of Friday gathering evidence from the scene of the shooting

"Many neighbours who heard the gunshots immediately ran to provide what assistance they could.

"We believe those responsible went to great lengths to plan their attack and lie in wait for their victim to essentially ambush and execute him.

"They have shown a startling lack of regard for human life and have left a devastated and bereft family in their wake."

Politicians who represent the area have condemned the attack and urged anyone with any information about it to contact the police.