Shots fired at house in flags row

Up to three shots have been fired at a house in Ballymena Co Antrim in a row over flags.

Up to three shots have been fired at a house in Ballymena Co Antrim in a row over flags.

Nobody was injured but a man and woman were left shocked and windows damaged following the attack shortly after midnight in the Rossdale area of the town.

Ulster Unionist Party councillor Neil Armstrong said there had been a dispute in the largely unionist area over flags.

“I just think this is truly a despicable act against people who are good hard-working members of society trying to do their best,” he said.

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“For them to be attacked like this is an absolute and utter shame and it is unforgivable.”

This was the second time the property has been targeted after the victims, a couple in their mid-30s involved in community relations, asked for flags to be taken down until the start of July as per an earlier agreement, Mr Armstrong added.

Police patrols in the area have been stepped up after local police commander, Chief Inspector Ryan Henderson, condemned the shooting as totally reckless.

"I utterly condemn those responsible for the shooting incident. It was a totally reckless act and sheer good fortune that no-one was injured," he said.

"I can reassure them and other residents in Rossdale that we are treating this matter very seriously and have already increased neighbourhood patrols in the area."

PA