Politicians from across the divide have united to condemn a gun attack on a dwelling in Larne’s Factory area.
Both Ulster Unionist East Antrim Assembly member Roy Beggs Jnr, and his Sinn Fein counterpart Oliver McMullan deplored the incident in which a gunshot was fired through the living room window of the house in Ferris Avenue at about 1am on Friday, January 24.
A man and a woman who were in the property at the time escaped injury.
Police have issued an appeal for information about the crime.
Mr Beggs said: “It is deplorable that a family only narrowly escaped injury when shots were fired through a living room window.
“I utterly condemn the actions of those responsible and I urge anyone with information to come forward to the police.
“There is no place for violence in Northern Ireland and those responsible should know that their actions are not supported by members of this community.”
Mr McMullan told the Larne Times that this was the second attack on the house in as many months and branded it “pure intimidation”.
He added: “The same family had their windows smashed before Christmas, but this incident was much more sinister.
“In reality it is nothing more than pure intimidation.”
The MLA added: “The family has been left traumatised by this event, and the woman in the house had only just left the room a few minutes before the shot was fired.
“If this continues, it is only a matter of time before someone is hurt or killed.”
Mr McMullan described the culprits as “cowards” and said: ““I am calling on those responsible to stop these mindless attacks and leave this family in peace.
“I also want to see the PSNI taking a stronger stance against this type of gangsterism in Larne.
“Saying that they can’t do anything without evidence is not enough: they can lift people and interview them.
“More action needs to be taken to tackle the problem.”
Police are appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident or who saw anyone in the area of Ferris Avenue around the time of the incident to contact detectives at Ballymena Police Station on 0845 600 8000.
Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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