Northern Ireland

Masked men with shotguns hijack car in Larne

Two masked men approached the occupants of a Volkswagon Brora that was parked outside a property in Larne. Picture by Hugh Russell
Two masked men approached the occupants of a Volkswagon Brora that was parked outside a property in Larne. Picture by Hugh Russell Two masked men approached the occupants of a Volkswagon Brora that was parked outside a property in Larne. Picture by Hugh Russell

Two masked men who were armed with suspected shotguns hijacked a car in the Craigy Hill area of Larne in the early hours of Monday morning.

Shots were also fired in to a house which has three children sleeping in it.

The children's mother, Aislinn Hassin, told the BBC she blamed paramilitaries. They were targeting her ex-husband.

"It has to stop. They've taken a disliking to him. Somebody needs to help and sort this," Ms Hassin said.

Police received a report at approximately 1:50am that the two masked males approached the occupants of a Volkswagon Brora that was parked outside a property. The men threatened the occupants before taking the car.



Police believe the vehicle was driven at approximately 1:58am to a property in the Brustin Brae Road area of Larne where it was set alight outside a garage.

Police also received a report that shots were fired at the property.

Mid & East Antrim District Commander Superintendent Darrin Jones said: “The local community will continue to see an increased police presence in the town to provide reassurance and deter those involved in this feud from engaging in further criminal actions.

"I would strongly urge those on all sides to reconsider their position and to resolve these matters without any added escalation in violence. We do not want to see more damage caused to property or life.”



Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: “We are appealing for anyone who was in Craigy Hill area or Brustin Brae area at around these times and noticed any suspicious behaviour, or anyone who knows anything about either of these incidents to contact detectives at Larne Criminal Investigation Branch on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 74 11/09/17; 78 11/09/17.



“Alternatively, information can be passed anonymously through the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.