Northern Ireland

Two young children escape injury in Carrickfergus shooting

The shotgun blast caused damage to a house in the Woodburn Avenue area of Carrickfergus
The shotgun blast caused damage to a house in the Woodburn Avenue area of Carrickfergus The shotgun blast caused damage to a house in the Woodburn Avenue area of Carrickfergus

A MAN in his seventies and two young children have escaped injury in a gun attack in Carrickfergus.

They were in a house in Woodburn Avenue when a shot was fired at the front door shortly after 9.30pm on Wednesday.

A shotgun was used in the attack, with the shot going through the door and also causing damage to interior walls.

Norman Haggan (72) was at home with his two granddaughters, aged four and six, at the time.

He said the children had been playing in the hallway just minutes before the attack.

No-one was injured, but the family were left shocked by the ordeal.

Mr Haggan told the Belfast Telegraph he has lived in the Woodburn area for over 40 years and has no idea why his home was targeted.

Eyewitnesses reported two men wearing balaclavas running away from the scene.

Police appealed for any witnesses or anyone who has information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Larne Police Station on 101.