Children escape injury as shots fired at house in Larne

By Richard O'Reilly

A family including three children have escaped unhurt after shots were fired into their bedroom in Larne.

Paramilitaries are being blamed for the early morning attack on a property in Brustin Brae Road.

Police initially received a report a car was hijacked from a home in the Craigy Hill area in the early hours of this morning. It was taken by two masked men brandishing shotguns.

The vehicle was then driven to the property in Brustin Brae where it was set alight. Police also received a report shots were fired at the house.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: “We are appealing for anyone who was in Craigy Hill area or Brustin Brae area at around these times and noticed any suspicious behaviour, or anyone who knows anything about either of these incidents to contact detectives at Larne Criminal Investigation Branch.

House attacked in Larne shots fired through childrens bedroom this madness has gone to new level police must act.

— Oliver McMullan (@OliverMcMullan) September 11, 2017

Mid & East Antrim District Commander Superintendent Darrin Jones said there will be an increase in police presence in the town.

“The local community will continue to see an increased police presence in the town to provide reassurance and deter those involved in this feud from engaging in further criminal actions." said SI Jones

"I would strongly urge those on all sides to reconsider their position and to resolve these matters without any added escalation in violence. We do not want to see more damage caused to property or life.”