Carrick shooting condemned

A pensioner in his seventies and two young children escaped injury when shots were fired at the front door of a house, shortly after 9.30 pm.

In a statement, East Antrim Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs, a member of Stormont’s Justice Committee, said: “I condemn the shooting at a property on Woodburn Avenue; guns should not be on our streets. I am relieved that the gentleman and two young children who were in the house at the time of the attack were not injured.

“It also raises the question of where the funding is from the Fresh Start Agreement to combat paramilitarism which could give additional funds for policing and also specialist undercover operations to catch paramilitaries in action.

“I would also encourage the public to provide any information directly to the PSNI by calling 101 or alternatively on a confidential basis to Crimestoppers 0800 555111.”

Meanwhile, Mid and East Antrim PCSP chairman Cllr Andrew Wilson stated; “I am shocked to be advised that a house in Woodburn Avenue has been attacked in an apparent shooting last night.

“The attack is particularly worrying given the fact that two young children were present along with a man in his 70s. This is similar to an attack in the town last week were four children were also in a house on Oakfield Drive.

“I recently met with the Justice Minister to discuss a range of issues, and one point I raised was the need for additional funding to combat paramilitarism in the area. This funding is in place via the Fresh Start Agreement so why has it not been spent to give our police more resources.”