18-Year-Old Shot In Arms And Legs In Paramilitary Style Attack

Police have issued an appeal for information following a paramilitary style shooting at a house in the Moneycannon Road area of Ballymoney in the early hours of Sunday 23 September.

Making the appeal, Inspector Vince Redmond said: "We received a report that an 18-year-old man had been shot four times, once in each arm and leg, at around 3.30am by unknown intruders. The injured man has since been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.

"Our enquiries are at a very early stage into what was a brutal attack on a young man in his home by dangerous and violent individuals, and I would ask anyone with any information which could assist us to apprehend those responsible to contact detectives at Coleraine on 101 quoting reference number 324 23/09/18.

"Alternatively, information can also be provide to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has condemned the shooting and said there needs to be a continued challenge to those behind such incidents.

Mr Dickson, said: "There can be no acceptance for such attacks. Paramilitary assaults and coercive control must always be challenged.

"Those with knowledge behind this and other similar brutal and vile attacks need to come forward and provide information to the police. This scourge on our society must be addressed. Far too often, those responsible for such attacks escape justice and there is a sense of impunity to their actions.

"It is important all stakeholders support the implementation of the Paramilitary Action Plan and the work of the PSNI's Paramilitary Taskforce, and stress the importance of effective policing in the community and the development of a culture of lawfulness."

(MH/CM)