A man in his 70s has survived being shot five times after a gang of masked men broke into a property in Coleraine.
Police said the incident took place shortly after 7.50pm on Thursday at a residential property in the Ballygallin Park area.
Detective Inspector Lavery said: “When the man was taken to hospital for treatment, it was established that he had been shot five times in the arm and legs.
“He had also sustained injuries to his head and torso.
“At this time, the injuries he received are thankfully not thought to be life-threatening.”
They called it “absolutely appalling” that an elderly person could be attacked in their own home in this way.
“There is no place in our society for vigilantism and we are fortunate that the outcome was not much more serious.
“Our enquiries are at an early stage and we would appeal for anyone with information in relation to this incident to contact us.
“If you saw or heard anything suspicious, or have CCTV or other footage which could assist our investigation, please call our detectives can be contacted on 101, quoting reference number 1450 of January 30.”
Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A man aged in his 70s was seriously assaulted in his own home in Coleraine last night. We’re appealing for information in relation to this appalling attack. Call us on 101. Full details: https://t.co/LBbgpSBs4B pic.twitter.com/gKMGd6hfuf
— Police Causeway Coast and Glens (@PSNICCGDistrict) January 31, 2025
The SDLP’s East Derry MLA, Cara Hunter, said she was “deeply disturbed” to learn of the attack.
“Such senseless, savage violence should play no part in our society and this shooting has both shocked the local community and left people fearful," she said.
“My thoughts today are with the victim and his family and I wish him a full and speedy recovery.
“Those responsible must be held to account and this dangerous weapon seized, and I urge anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI.”
