Victim’s mother ‘afraid for her life’

The attack occurred at around 9.45pm on Monday night, causing substantial damage to the front door of the dwelling in The Arches area of the town. Serious damage was also believed to have been caused to a car parked in the driveway of the house at the time.

Police confirmed they had received reports of shots being fired, before two masked assailants made their getaway in a silver BMW.

At the time of going to press last night, PSNI Area Commander for Limavady, Chief Inspector Sam Donaldson told the Sentinel : “At this point we are still trying to clarify whether shots were actually fired. There is certainly a lot of damage to the property.”

And, the Area Commander encouraged anyone with informationon the incident to contact police immediately.

The young woman who lives at the house said: “The phones were going constantly and all the neighbours were so helpful. I don’t know the reason (for the attack) and I don’t want to know the reason.”

The unnamed victim was not at home when the incident occurred, meaning her elderly mother who had travelled from Scotland on a visit, was alone at the property at the time of the attack. The woman is said to have been badly shaken by the incident.

Mayor of Limavady Borough Sean McGlinchey said: “The whole front of the doors are destroyed and the windows are all smashed. The wee Scottish girl has lived here in Dungiven for a while – she has never been in a minute’s bother. It has come as a complete surprise to everybody in Dungiven. At the minute it is unclear whether it was a case of mistaken identity or not.

“It has to be condemned. Her elderly mother was sitting in the house on her own – you can imagine her being in there, afraid for her life. There is no excuse for these types of attacks nowadays when people have the opportunity to resolve issues by other means.”

Speaking about the resident’s desire to leave the area, he said: “I will try and encourage her to stay but she is adamant that she wants to leave.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Detectives from Limavady are investigating reports of a shooting incident in The Arches area of Dungiven on Monday, January 30.

At approximately 9.45pm it is alleged that two masked men fired shots at a house in the area. “Damage was caused to the front door and a car parked in the driveway. The men then made off in a silver coloured BMW car. There were no reports of any injuries and enquiries are continuing to confirm if shots were fired during the incident.

“Anyone who witnessed this incident or has any information is asked to contact CID at Limavady on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”