On Friday evening at around 10.30pm, shots were fired through the rear window of a car parked outside the Spice House takeaway at the bottom of Charles Street in Ballymoney. Significant damage was caused to the rear of the car but no one was injured in the attack.The car is believed to belong to an employee of the takeaway who was shook up as a result of the incident but was uninjured due to not being in the vehicle at the time. Police were quickly on scene and secured the area as well as closing the takeaway. The police helicopter was also tasked and searched the surround area for almost an hour.
Reports suggest that a person was seen making off from the scene moments after the incident occured towards the Glebeside estate. The person in question was wearing dark clothing and had their face covered.
Speaking on the attack, Cllr John Finlay said,
“The shooting in Ballymoney last night was wrong and has to be condemned. I am glad no one was hurt ..hope the Psni can bring who ever was responsible to justice.”
The scene has now been worked by Scenes of Crimes officers and the car removed. An investigation into the motives of the gun attack will now begin by the CID and the car will undergo further examination to confirm but it appears the damage caused is consistent with a firearm.
We asked local MLA Mervyn Storey his thoughts on the attack. Speaking to FUSE FM, Mr Storey said,
“Sadly yet again we have had an incident in Ballymoney were it would seem a firearm was used. This is extremely worrying and I would call upon those who are engaged in this behaviour to stop, before someone again in our Town losses their life. Friday nights attack happened just opposite my constituency office and it would seem that those involved were looking for some one individual in the vicinity of a local carryout.
Thankfully as I understand it no one was seriously injured, however given the location of this incident and the number of people that would be customers of the local carry out, it is the mercy of God that no one was injured or even worse lost their life as a result of this reckless act. I would appeal to who ever is involved in these attacks to stop and take the, fear, batons and guns off our streets. The PSNI are the only rule of law and I will be having further discussions with senior police officers to discuss this and other recent incidents. I would also appeal to anyone who saw anything to give their help and information to the police so that those responsible can be brought before the courts.”
Police have issued the following;
“We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area in and around the time of the shooting. Please get in touch with detectives on the non-emergency police number 101, quoting reference number 1621 of 29/9/17.
“Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
