Arrest made after man shot in knee in ‘brutal’ Newtownabbey attack

Victim (30) approached by three men in an alley in Bawnmore Park on Friday night

Anyone with information about the shooting has been asked to contact the PSNI.  Photograph: PA Wire
Anyone with information about the shooting has been asked to contact the PSNI. Photograph: PA Wire

A man has been arrested after another man was shot in the knee in a “brutal attack” in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

A PSNI spokesman said the 30-year-old man was approached by three men in an alley in Bawnmore Park on Friday night.

He said on Saturday one of the assailants produced a gun and fired a single shot at the victim, before the three men then fled.

PSNI Detective Inspector Conor McStravick said: “Whilst these injuries are not life threatening, this was a brutal attack.

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“It is yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence.”

The suspect, aged 30, was arrested in the Newtownabbey area on Saturday night under the Terrorism Act.

Det Insp McStravick said on Sunday it appeared a second shot may have been fired, with the bullet striking the perimeter fence at the local youth club.

“This shooting occurred at 7.30pm, a time when children could easily have been playing at the youth club. To my mind, this serves to underline the mindlessness and recklessness of those responsible.”