Dallat condemns Ballymoney shooting

The East Derry assemblyman condemned the incident in which a number of shots were fired at the victim, who was left badly shaken, at a house on Henry Street in the town at about 11.30pm on Tuesday.

“Ballymoney does not deserve the image being cultivated that it is a modern day re-enactment of a Wild West town where gun-toting gangsters rule,” said Mr Dallat.

“Nothing could be further from the truth, but the number of incidents in recent times indicates the PSNI must deal with a festering problem that will not go away until those involved in such attacks are arrested and brought to justice.”

Mr Dallat added: “I would hope this terrible attack does not support recent claims that loyalist arsenals of weapons have been rifled by splinter groups which has added to fear and anxiety in local communities.

“Indeed, they should never have existed given we are now 16 years into the Good Friday Agreement and the question being asked is ‘why are whole communities living under gun law?’”