Gun attack on family home at Ardboe Drive

A family were left shaken after a shot was fired at their home in the Ardboe Drive area of Lurgan last night (Sunday, March 13).
The scene of the attack on a home at Ardboe Drive in Lurgan.The scene of the attack on a home at Ardboe Drive in Lurgan.
The scene of the attack on a home at Ardboe Drive in Lurgan.

It has also been revealed the family have been the target of a campaign of intimidation, with several previous incidents.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the shooting incident, which was reported at around 7.30pm.

A shot had been fired at the front of a house in the area. Damage was caused to the front door as a result.

A man and woman and their young son who were in the house at the time were not injured but left shaken by their ordeal, police said.

A male, dressed in dark clothing, believed to have been involved in the incident is reported to have made off on a bicycle in the direction of Trasna Way.

Detective Sergeant Wilson is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact Detectives in Lurgan Police Station on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

DUP Councillor Carla Lockhart said, “This situation has been escalating for some time and I would utterly condemn this attack.

“Today we could have been dealing with the death of one of our residents. A family who I know well live in this home and now they are dealing with at attempt on their lives.

“This is serious and needs to be taken seriously by our authorities. I am liaising with the PSNI and have spoken with the family. Our thoughts are with them at this time and I will be working with the PSNI to try and get additional resources deployed to the area and additional protection for our residents against this type of attack.

“Ardboe Drive is a quiet, very community focused area and this has rocked residents to the core.”

Sophie Long, PUP candidate for Upper Bann hit out: “I have spoken with the victim who has stated that this is the latest in a series of attacks, seemingly designed to intimidate, threaten and harm him, his wife and children.

“He added that some weeks ago his home was fire bombed, when his family and his son’s partner were in the house. Following this, his car tyres were slashed, in a further signal from this group that they were intent on harming him.

“When the shots were fired into the hall, he had just taken his seven year old child into another room moments beforehand.

“I cannot stress enough the distress this has caused to this man and his family, and to those who live in the area and wish to live free from violence and intimidation.

“The home which has been under sustained attack belongs to a respected local activist and long-standing member of the community. These attacks must stop and those perpetuating them must have no hiding place in these areas.”

She added local PUP representatives were on the ground within minutes, offering support to the family and liasing with police.

Ms Long added: “In an earlier statement we noted that the police response times were worryingly slow, and we would reinforce that now, particularly given the significance of the upcoming Easter centenaries and the stated intent of some groups to ‘finish business’.

“We appeal to the police to protect all communities as is their obligation, and to those working in the area to show the necessary leadership and ensure that we see no further violence or attempts to kill. We reject such attempts to intimidate community activists and stand firm against the gangs who are distributing drugs, causing chaos, trauma and offering nothing to the local community.”

Related topics: