Poots fired warning shots to scare off intruders

The Lagan Valley MLA fired his legally-held shotgun after finding intruders on his land.

A police spokesman confirmed they had “received a report of persons acting suspiciously in the grounds of a property in Lisburn” early on June 6.

A DUP spokesman said: “Unknown persons were observed on Mr Poots’ property and only metres from the occupied house of a family member.”

He added: “Given the risk to Mr Poots and his family, a legally-held shotgun was safely discharged into the air by Mr Poots from within his house to alert the intruders that their presence was known.

“The police were then called by the family and are investigating the matter.”

Police said it was understood “that shots were fired in the air by a householder”.

“An investigation into the incident is ongoing at this stage,” the spokesman added.