Rumours over Cookstown shooting '˜need to be dispelled'

But they are appealing to anyone who may have seen the culprits arrive at or flee the scene, to get in touch.

Rumours about who’s responsible have been “flying around town” since the incident took place, but Mid Ulster councillor, Tony Quinn, said he hopes they will soon be put to bed. The SDLP man lives just 300 yards from the house where a 35-year-old man was shot in both legs after two men wearing balaclavas and camouflage jackets stormed a party in Drumcree at around 5.40pm.

“I would like to think that someone would be apprehended pretty soon,” he told the Mail.

“You’re really hearing more on the street than you are from the powers that be - the PSNI.”

Cllr Quinn said he understands that police are following definite lines of enquiry, but added: “The rumours that are flying around need to be dispelled - and quickly.

“Everybody’s hearing it and that needs to be put to bed, and someone arrested and brought before the courts.”

In relation to the victim, a local engineering firm worker, Cllr Quinn said: “We know that he’s not suffering from a life-threatening injury, which is good news.

“Hopefully he’ll make a full recovery.” It is understood that a house on Drum Road was raided by police on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Will Tate said: “Investigations into the shooting incident at a house in Drumcree, Cookstown at approximately 5.40pm on Sunday 5 June are ongoing and I would again ask anyone who has any information, no matter how small they may think it is, or anyone who saw the two intruders as they approached or left the property, to contact Police on the non-emergency number 101.

“Alternatively, 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.”