Drugs Gang Behind Bangor Gun Attack

A violent drug gang are thought to be behind last night's attack on a house in Bangor, Co Down.

It is alleged the same group has issued more than a dozen death threats to community workers in the area within the past month. Shots were fired at an empty house on the Bloomfield estate at around 8pm last night.

Although no one was in the Ballyree Drive home at the time, minor damage was caused to the property.

It is also believed a baseball bat may have been used in the attack.

Community worker Mark Gordon said eight of his colleagues have been threatened by a local drugs gang in recent week.

Mr Gordon said police had told them that a gang had been "stepping up efforts to eliminate us".

"Eight people have received, to date, 17 death threats over a two to three week period," he said.

However, a resilient Mr Gordon said his workers would not be deflected from their campaign to get drugs out of the area.

Bangor MLA Alex Easton was said to be shocked at the incident, and paid tribute to the efforts of community workers in the estate.

"I am shocked that there has been a shooting on this estate," said the DUP Assemblyman.

"I call on everyone as Chairman of the District Policing Partnership to work with the police.

"This estate has a great track record for community work and has a positive reputation it has many wonderful people and that is why this is so disturbing.

"I am glad that no-one has been injured and I have been liaising with the police this evening they merit our full support."

He added: "Let me be unequivocal, there is no use whatsoever for guns to be used in our community and I call on those responsible for this shooting to immediately desist from their activity."

(PR/BMcC)