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Lurgan shotgun attack third time family have been targeted

.Damaged caused following a shooting incident in the Ardboe Drive area of Lurgan Picture Mal McCann.
.Damaged caused following a shooting incident in the Ardboe Drive area of Lurgan Picture Mal McCann. .Damaged caused following a shooting incident in the Ardboe Drive area of Lurgan Picture Mal McCann.

A shotgun attack on a house in Lurgan is part of "campaign of intimidation" against a young family it has been claimed.

A couple and their seven -year-old son were at home at the time of the attack and were not hurt but were left badly shaken.

The gunman reportedly fired a shotgun at the front door of the property before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.

It's the third attack on property belonging to the householder in the last number of months. In December flammable liquid was poured around the front door and set alight, car tyres were also slashed in a separate attack.

The latest incident happened at around 7.30pm on Sunday in the Ardboe Drive area of Lurgan.

While the attack on the Protestant family is believed to have been orchestrated by a criminal gang from the nationalist community, the motive is not thought to be sectarian.

A spokesman for the PSNI said: "A male, dressed in dark clothing, believed to have been involved in the incident is reported to have made off on a bicycle in the direction of Trasna Way".

PUP spokesperson Sophie Long said the attack was apart of a "campaign of intimidation" against the young family from criminal elements.

"We're very concerned for the welfare of this young family, while so far there have been no claims of responsibility I understand this is part of an ongoing campaign against the male householder who is involved in community work in the local area", she said.

Mayor of Armagh, Darryn Causby said it was an "appalling attack" that could have had lethal consequences.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt but the outcome could have been very different. Everyone should feel safe and secure in their own home, not terrorised by criminals.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows anything to contact the PSNI with any information", he added.