Men ‘intimidated’ after finding paramilitary items in Carrick

Two men had called to a house in the area to pursue a legal matter and discovered a number of items, including a bag which contained suspected cannabis and white powder.

Paraphernalia associated with paramilitary organisations and balaclavas were also found.

They immediately alerted local police who responded promptly to the incident.

However, before police arrived, two masked males smashed windows in the house and threatened the men, who were forced to leave.

They were not physically harmed.

Police officers arrived a short time later, but there was no trace of the bag containing suspected cannabis.

PSNI Area Commander, Chief Inspector Stephen Reid said: “These two innocent gentlemen were carrying out their day’s work and quite rightly alerted police when they found something they thought was untoward.

“They were intimidated to leave the area though thankfully they were not harmed by the intruders. This is totally unacceptable behaviour. Detectives in Newtownabbey want to speak to anyone who was in the area of The Cherry Walk between 10 and 11am on Tuesday, November 25.”

Police can be contacted by dialling the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.