Police seize alcohol and cash from Kilkeel 'shebeen'

Police have seized alcohol and a large sum of cash during a search of a "shebeen" in Kilkeel, County Down.

Fifteen people were in a domestic garage at Mourne Esplanade when it was searched at about 0200 BST on Sunday.

A man was arrested and has been released pending further inquiries.

Inspector Gary McClatchey said the search showed those who operate shebeens can expect to be pursued by police.

"Reports about unlicensed premises, commonly known as 'shebeens', are taken seriously by police and our hope is that the community in Kilkeel are reassured by this operation," he said.

"Illegal premises cause long-term damage to the local economy and have a negative impact upon the quality of life for people living in the area.

"Our operation took approximately three hours, resulting in a large volume of alcohol, equipment and two gaming machines being seized."

The police said it was the second search of such premises to be carried out in the south Down area in recent weeks.