48 year old arrested in connection to West Belfast paramilitary style attack

by Q Radio News

A man from Dungannon has been arrested under the Terrorism Act, on suspicion of carrying out a paramilitary style attack on a man in West Belfast.

It happened in the Turf Lodge area on 28th September.

Police believe the attack was carried out on behalf of dissident republican group ANP, also known as Arm na Poblachta.

The 48 year old is currently being questioned by detectives. 

Four other men, aged 42, 35, 33 and 30 have already been charged with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm in relation to this incident.

Speaking about today's arrest, Detective Inspector Adrian Brown said, "Despite claims from the groups responsible for carrying out these paramilitary style attacks that they are protecting their communities, they are only ever about people cementing control over their communities.

"The thugs carrying out these brutal attacks give no thought to the psychological damage that they cause to people witnessing these attacks." 

The PSNI is keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in a small hatchback vehicle which was seen in the area on the night of the attack at around 11pm. 

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information which may help with the investigation is urged to call the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1472 28/09/18.