A 45-year-old man was shot in both arms and legs, after a number of masked men broke into his home, in what police say was a paramilitary style attack.
The incident happened at a house in Kurin Lane in Garvagh last night (Saturday, October 27) just before 10.30pm. He was also beaten with a blunt instrument.
The man’s teenage daughter, who was also in the house at the time of the shooting and beating, was threatened.
Her mobile phone was taken to prevent her calling for help. An attempt was also made to set fire to items in the house.
The injured man is currently in hospital receiving treatment for the gunshot wounds and head injuries.
Detective Chief Inspector White said this a ‘sickeningly vicious shooting and beating which has left this man with serious and potentially life changing injuries, and a young girl severely traumatised.’
“What sort of men would think it is acceptable to subject a young girl to this level of brutality and violence? Every child has the right to feel safe and protected in their own home – how is this poor child going to sleep tonight or in coming nights? What are the long term effects on her going to be?” said the Detective Chief Inspector.
“It’s quite obvious the hypocrites who carried out this dreadful attack don’t care at all about the children in their community. I wonder how they would feel if their own child witnessed such a level of violence?
“There is absolutely no justification for an attack like this in our communities and we must all work together to bring those responsible to justice and to stop this from happening to another child,” added the Detective Chief Inspector.
If you saw anything or know anything about this incident which could assist police with their investigation, please contact detectives in Coleraine on 101 and quote incident number 1478 27/10/18.
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.