DPP demands ‘rigorous’ PSNI probe into bullet threats

The Times understands that shotgun cartridges were posted to three address on Tuesday, October 25.

One of the sinister packages was delivered to the council offices and was addressed to a senior official. Another package was sent to a house in Seacourt estate and the third was delivered to a home in the Ballyloran area of the town.

During what was described to the Times as “an emergency meeting” of the DPP at the Smiley Buildings on Friday, October 28, members voiced concerns about the threats and called on recently appointed PSNI area commander, John Magill to “thoroughly investigate these crimes and bring the perpetrators before the courts”.

DPP manager Wendy Carson said members considered the threats to be an “attack on the wider community”, and urged police to be “rigorous and unstinting” in their response to the crimes.

“The DPP members and the aldermen gave assurances that they would be vigilant in ensuring that police action was swift and effective,” she added.

DPP chairman Ald Winston Fulton added: “We utterly condemn these criminal actions aimed at intimidating individuals and our local community. We appeal to anyone who knows anything about who may be behind these incidents to provide whatever information possible to the police investigating these crimes.”

Asked for an update on the investigation, police said: “The three items have been subsequently removed for further forensic examination.” He added: “All lines of enquiry are currently being investigated.”

Anone with information should ring Larne CID on 0845 600 8000, or call the confidential Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.