2 men arrested following 'frightening' Easter Sunday attack

The PSNI said it is working hard to establish a motive for the crime.

Author: Chloe GibsonPublished 9th Apr 2023

Two men have been detained by police and are receiving medical attention after a "serious" and "frightening" incident in Strabane

Police and armed response units were tasked to an apartment in the Main Street area of the town this morning after two men allegedly forced their way into the building at around 7.30am.

It was reported that the pair were armed with what appeared to be an axe.

The suspects were also reported to have damaged communal areas in the building and forced the front door of the property before throwing items at police from the apartment windows.

They also caused damage to a number of personal items in the apartment.

On approach, it appeared the men were armed with further weapons they had obtained inside the apartment.

The suspects are believed to have also made threats towards police.

The other occupants of the building were advised to keep their doors locked and stay away from these and windows for their own safety.

Just before 8.30am, the two men surrendered to police.

Chief Inspector Luke Moyne said: "The two men were detained at the scene."

“A 26-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary, criminal damage, assault on police and breach of licence conditions."

“A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of burglary. Both men are currently receiving medical attention."

In a statement, the PSNI said, "This was a serious incident which was frightening for local residents and caused disruption in the area on what should have been a peaceful Easter Sunday morning."

“We are working hard to obtain a full picture of, and establish a motive for, the circumstances surrounding the crime."

“As our officers continue with their inquiries we would appeal to anyone who was in the Main Street area this morning who may have witnessed two men acting suspiciously, or who has any other information which may be important to our investigation, to get in touch with us."

You can submit information is by calling 101, and quoting reference number 452 on 09/04/2023.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/