A man in his 20s is in a stable condition after he was shot in the leg by masked men who forced their way into his Ballymoney home in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Kerry Brennan said that just after 12.10am, the man had been assaulted by four masked men armed with weapons including a gun.
After forcing their way into this home they shot him in his upper leg.
“The victim also sustained injuries to his head, face and chest. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service took him to hospital for treatment, where he remains in a stable condition at this time,” she said.
“Everyone has the right to live their life free from the threat of violence and this brutal attack is a clear violation of the victim’s human rights.
“There is no justification for this. Those responsible are not defenders of their communities - they are criminals who prey on vulnerable people and have no place in a civilised society.”
Alliance North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland commented: “It is deeply worrying to hear of another brutal attack in Ballymoney, and I know this news will cause great concern for local residents.
“There is no justification for such barbaric, senseless violence in our community. My thoughts and sympathies are with the victim and their family, and I hope they’re getting all the support they need to recover, both physically and mentally, from this ordeal.
“I would encourage anyone with any relevant information to get in touch with the PSNI, or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.”
Alliance councillor for Ballymoney, Lee Kane, added: “Everyone, in communities right across the Borough, should feel safe and protected. Whilst resources are stretched, this again shows the need for visible neighbourhood policing, building confidence in the police and in their ability to prevent and tackle crime.
“We will be meeting the local Superintendent in the coming days to highlight the need for additional resources in the Ballymoney area.”
