Houses raided in massive police operation after shotgun attack
Thursday, 12 January 2012
The car which had its back windscreen smashed after a shot was fired through it outside a house at Rathkyle last Wednesday night (January 4).
AROUND 30 officers raided two neighbouring houses in Antrim last week after a shot was fired through the rear window of a car in Rathkyle last week.
Witnesses to the police operation told the Antrim Guardian that unmarked police cars 'tore into' Rathglynn last Wednesday night (January 4) before plain clothes officers used battering rams to gain entry to both properties.
“They had sniffer dogs and were going through bins and lifting floorboards," one witness said.
“Two men were lifted and the police left again about 1am and took several large forensic bags with them."
The raids came less than 24 hours after a shot was fired through the rear window of a car in nearby Rathkyle the previous night (Tuesday).
A local householder heard a loud bang at around 11.30pm.
At 9.45am the following morning, it was discovered that the rear window of a Renault Laguna parked at the address had been smashed.
Police recovered what are believed to be shotgun pellets from the vehicle.
Local Alliance councillor Neil Kelly said he is 'appalled' by the shooting incident.
He said: "The community is shocked at this incident. I am appalled that anyone could carry out something like this.
“Incidents like this have absolutely no place in our society and they cause fear in the community. This is a deeply worrying event and my thoughts are with the person whose car was damaged.
“Anyone who saw anything or who has any other information regarding this matter should contact police immediately.
A police spokeswoman confirmed that a 24-year-old man had been arrested on the night of the raids. She said he was arrested 'in connection' to the shot fired at the car in Rathkyle.
“Two searches were also carried out at two flats in the Rathglynn area," she added.
“The man was questioned in connection with the attack before being released on bail early on Thursday morning."
Detectives are especially keen to hear from anyone who noticed a male dressed in grey in the area at around 11.30pm on the Tuesday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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