Northern Ireland

Man held over west Belfast paramilitary-style attack

The man, who is from Dungannon, was arrested by detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit
The man, who is from Dungannon, was arrested by detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit The man, who is from Dungannon, was arrested by detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit

POLICE have arrested a 48-year-old man in connection with a paramilitary-style attack in west Belfast.

The man, who is from Dungannon, was arrested by detectives from the PSNI's Terrorism Investigation Unit on suspicion of carrying out the attack on September 28 in the Turf Lodge area.

He is currently being questioned by detectives at Musgrave Street Police Station.

Detective Inspector Adrian Brown said police believe the attack was carried out by dissident group Arm na Poblachta.

“Despite claims from the groups responsible for carrying out these paramilitary style attacks that they are protecting their communities, they are only ever about people cementing control over their communities," he said. 

"The thugs carrying out these brutal attacks give no thought to the psychological damage that they cause to people witnessing these attacks. 

“I would appeal for anyone who saw the assault or who may have information which may assist our investigation to come forward and I am particularly keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in a small hatchback vehicle which was seen in the area on the night of the attack at around 11pm.

"Detectives can be contacted on the non-emergency number 101."