PSNI investigating two ‘paramilitary style’ attacks

Man shot in both legs in Belfast while another assaulted by group of men in Larne

Police said both incidents, which are not linked, were examples ‘of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence’. Stock photograph: PA Wire
Police said both incidents, which are not linked, were examples ‘of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence’. Stock photograph: PA Wire

Police in the North are investigating two "paramilitary style" attacks in Belfast and Larne overnight.

A 30-year-old man was shot once in each leg in north Belfast at around 1.30am on Saturday.

Police said the victim was walking along Henry Place when he was attacked by two men.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to non-life threatening injuries.

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Meanwhile, in Larne, at around 12.40am police received a report of a car on fire at a property in the Argyll View area of the town.

The vehicle was gutted by fire and two other vehicles had damage caused to their windows.

A man in a house also sustained serious injuries as a result of an attack by a group of men.

A number of local homes were evacuated during the incident.

Police said both incidents, which are not linked, were examples “of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence”.

Detective Sergeant Moffett is appealing to anyone with information about the Belfast shooting to contact detectives at Musgrave Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 110 22/07/17.

Detective Sergeant Peter Crothers would like the public to contact Larne Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 51 22/07/17 if they can assist.

Information can also be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Police in Newry are also investigating a shooting incident at business premises in the Annvale Road area of Keady on Friday at around 5.25pm.

A white Hyundai car, with two men on-board, entered the grounds of the premises and one of them. One of the men got out the vehicle and discharged two shots.

Police said no one was injured during this incident, however employees of the business were left very badly shaken.

The car was later found burnt out on the Dundrum Road, Tassagh.