Two men have been sentenced at Downpatrick Court for the murder of Duncan Morrison in Bangor two years ago.

Detectives from Serious Crime Branch have welcomed the sentencing, which saw the pair convicted of Mr Morrison's murder, as well as the attempted murder of another man.

35-year-old Jamie Smith was told he must serve 21 years in jail before being considered for release while Peter Greer, 37, will serve 20 years for the murder of 56-year-old Mr Morrison in Hazelbrook Avenue in the town on 13 May 2011.

Police found victims Duncan Morrison and Stephen Ritchie on the kitchen floor of a house at Hazlebrook Avenue just after midday on 13 May.

Each of the men had a single gunshot wound to the chest or torso area.

Mr Morrison was declared dead on arrival and Mr Ritchie was rushed to hospital to undergo emergency surgery.

Detectives thanked the community in Bangor and beyond for assistance and co-operation during the investigation.

A statement from the PSNI said: "No sentence will bring Duncan Morrison back to his family, or minimise the terrible legacy of the shooting incident suffered by Mr Morrison's friend who was in the house at the time, but we hope it brings some comfort to those who have been victimised.

"The sentences demonstrate that in crimes where communities work with police, offenders can be brought before the courts and substantial terms of imprisonment imposed."

(IT/MH)