Police probe damage at Carrickfergus office of DUP candidate Sammy Wilson

Police received a report shortly after 9.30am on Wednesday, June 26 that damage had been caused to windows and doors of the premises in the Lancasterian Street area some time overnight.

District Commander, Superintendent Ian McCormick said that at this stage, it appears the damage may have been caused by ball bearings. “Officers remain at the scene as part of our investigation to establish the circumstances around this incident,” he added.

"As part of our enquiries, we are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area overnight and saw anything suspicious, or who may have CCTV, dashcam or other video footage.

"The number to call is 101, quoting reference 442 of 26/06/24."

Reports can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

Superintendent McCormick continued: “People standing as candidates in our elections or involved in canvassing are a key part of our democratic process and it is unacceptable when they become the subject of abuse. The Police Service is committed to ensuring all candidates in the upcoming election can campaign free from harassment and intimidation. Any abuse, harassment or criminality directed at candidates or their teams is totally unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated.”

Mr Wilson – who is standing in the Westminster election to retain his seat as East Antrim MP – called it a “senseless attack on an office that serves the people of East Antrim”. He added: “Whilst we do not know what sort of weapon was used in the attack it could have caused injury to anyone who happened to be in the area at the time. Throughout my years as a public representative I have never been deterred from putting forward my views and I won’t be deterred now.”

The incident has been met with condemnation from a number of political representatives. DUP leader, Gavin Robinson said: “I know Sammy Wilson will not be deterred by this cowardly attack, and an attack on his office is an attack on all of us. It is an attack, which if designed to intimidate, will fail and all democrats and supporters of law-and-order will stand with Sammy and the staff members who work to offer a vital service to the public.

“I know that such violence and thuggish behaviour is not carried out in the name of the people of Carrick. It is a full-frontal assault on the democratic process. Threats and violence from wherever they come did not deter or sway us in the past and it will not do so now. I encourage anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI.”

Expressing “solidarity” with Mr Wilson, East Antrim Alliance Party MLA, Stewart Dickson said: “I utterly condemn this blatant attack on democracy and attempt to intimidate a legitimate election candidate.”

TUV East Antrim Westminster candidate, Matthew Warwick said the incident should be “roundly condemned”, adding: “Such activity should have no place in a decent society.”