Man (20s) shot in leg in ‘brutal attack’ in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim

PSNI seeking motive for attack, which officer says should be ‘condemned by all’

A man in his 20s has been injured in a shooting incident while in the Knockenagh Avenue area of Newtownabbey. Photograph: Paul McErlaine/EPA/
A man in his 20s has been injured in a shooting incident while in the Knockenagh Avenue area of Newtownabbey. Photograph: Paul McErlaine/EPA/

Detectives in Northern Ireland are appealing for information with regards to the “brutal” shooting of a man in the leg in Co Antrim on Tuesday night.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) received a report at around 10pm that a man in his 20s had been injured in a shooting incident while in the Knockenagh Avenue area of Newtownabbey.

Det Insp Kerry Brennan of the PSNI said the “brutal attack” and actions of people who violate the human rights of others should be “condemned by all”.

The people involved in these attacks “do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it,” Det Insp Brennan said.

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These moves are an attempt to “exert influence or gain control” over the people the perpetrators claim to represent, she added.

Det Insp Brennan confirmed that an investigation is underway and police are working to establish a motive.

She urged any witnesses or people with information to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number.

Ellen O'Riordan

Ellen O'Riordan

Ellen O'Riordan is High Court Reporter with The Irish Times