Fury as armed gang force their way into home in Londonderry
POLICE in Londonderry are appealing for information after a group of masked men, including one who was carrying a gun, forced their way into a house on Tuesday night.
The attack at Altcar Park in the Shantallow area was the second incident inside a week in the city that involved firearms.
Detective Constable Miller said: “At around 10pm, police received reports that a number of persons wearing balaclavas, one of whom was reported to be in possession of a firearm, forced entry into the property and caused damage to the inside of it before making off.
“The occupier was at home but uninjured as a result of the incident.”
At 6.30pm on Halloween night two women were left badly shaken but uninjured after two shots were fired at the front door of a house in Racecourse Park in the city.
Speaking about Tuesday night’s incident, SDLP councillor for the area Brian Tierney said: “There’s no place for thugs in balaclavas to be prowling the streets, causing mayhem and fear for local residents.
“Those behind the attack are callous criminals and should face justice. This is a large residential estate and this was a reckless attack that could have turned out even worse. Following the shooting last week, it’s critical that the PSNI gets a hold of this situation quickly.”
Sinn Fein councillor Caoimhe McKnight also condemned the attack.
“There is no place in our society for these type of incidents. It must have been a very frightening experience for anyone caught up in it,” she said.
“I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.”
Meanwhile, the PSNI in Londonderry has asked anyone with information about Tuesday night’s incident to call them on the non-emergency number 101 and quote reference 1364 07/11/17 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.