Teenager shot four times
He was attacked by a number of gunmen in his County Antrim home.
Last updated 23rd Sep 2018
A teenager has been shot in each arm and leg in a "paramilitary-style'' attack in County Antrim.
The 18-year-old man was attacked in his home in the Moneycannon Road area of Ballymoney in the early hours of Sunday.
The young victim was taken to hospital for treatment and his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Detectives are appealing for the public's help in catching the "dangerous and violent'' individuals who carried out the "brutal'' attack.
Inspector Vince Redmond said: “We received a report that an 18 year old man had been shot four times, once in each arm and leg, at around 3.30am this morning by unknown intruders. The injured man has since been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries.“
“Our enquiries are at a very early stage into what was a brutal attack on a young man in his home by dangerous and violent individuals, and I would ask anyone with any information which could assist us to apprehend those responsible to contact detectives at Coleraine on 101 quoting reference number 324 23/09/18.
"Alternatively, information can also be provide to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."
Leader of the TUV Jim Allister says the attack was "vicious" and is "the real and brutal face of paramilitarism".
He added: "Paramilitaries who think and act above the law must be brought to book for such excesses. There should be no room in our society for self-appointed enforcers and their weapons of death and destruction.
"I urge anyone with relevant information to provide it to the PSNI."
Meanwhile Alliance Party MLA Stewart Dickson says there needs to be a continued challenge to those behind such incidents.
“There can be no acceptance for such attacks. Paramilitary assaults and coercive control must always be challenged.”
“Those with knowledge behind this and other similar brutal and vile attacks need to come forward and provide information to the police. This scourge on our society must be addressed. Far too often, those responsible for such attacks escape justice and there is a sense of impunity to their actions.
“It is important all stakeholders support the implementation of the Paramilitary Action Plan and the work of the PSNI’s Paramilitary Taskforce, and stress the importance of effective policing in the community and the development of a culture of lawfulness."