Carrick shooting: Police following significant line of inquiry

Police say they are following a significant line of inquiry after a man was shot in Carrickfergus earlier today.
Armed police carried out raids following the shootingArmed police carried out raids following the shooting
Armed police carried out raids following the shooting

The man, in his 40s, was rushed to hospital with 'life-threatening' injuries after he was shot in the Pinewood Avenue area of Woodburn estate in the town around 2:30 pm.

Armed police wearing protective masks carried out raids on property in the Co. Antrim town.

Superintendent Darrin Jones said: "Firearms being discharged in a residential area, particularly during daylight hours when children are in the vicinity, is concerning.

The scene of the shooting on Pinewood AvenueThe scene of the shooting on Pinewood Avenue
The scene of the shooting on Pinewood Avenue

"We need the community to give us the information needed so we can remove the dangerous individuals who carried out this attack from our streets and put them before a court of law.

"There will be a continued police presence in the area as we search for those who carried out this brutal attack."

East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson said: "This is an appalling act, particularly as it was carried out in broad daylight in a residential area.

"Guns have no place on our streets and despicable actions of this nature have absolutely no place in our society.

"Those behind this incident do not speak for the community and I appeal for calm following it."