Police have received no reports that a shot was fired at the vehicle of “someone from a migrant background” close to Moygashel.
That is according to local Ulster Unionist Councillor Ian Irwin, who said social media reports of the incident were “unhelpful” at such a volatile time.
The alleged incident had been highlighted by Independent Republican Socialist Councillor Dan Kerr this week.
The Torrent representative shared a picture of a vehicle with the rear window shattered, indicating that the owner had been attacked near Moygashel.
He posted: “Worryingly someone from a migrant background has contacted me saying their vehicle was attacked on outskirts of Moygashal by what they believe to be a pellet/rubber bullet.
“Thankfully they weren’t injured but as seen in the picture below if struck this would have lead to a serious injury if not possibly worse. Stay safe folks.”
Ulster Unionist Councillor Ian Irwin, however, challenged the validity of the claim, and said he had contacted the PSNI immediately after being made aware of the a “alleged attack” appearing on Facebook.
Police, he said, had informed him that “no incident had been reported to them”.
Added Councillor Irwin: “If anyone has genuinely been the victim of a criminal attack, they should report it immediately so that police can investigate and take appropriate action.
“However, sharing unverified claims at a time when tensions are already running high is not helpful.
“Following the recent stabbing in North Belfast and the local controversy surrounding police removing a poster from Moygashel, emotions are understandably heightened within the community.
“That makes it all the more important that public representatives and others ensure the information they share is accurate and based on fact.
“Spreading misinformation or unsubstantiated allegations risks inflaming an already sensitive situation and serves nobody’s interests.
“We should all be encouraging calm, responsibility and the reporting of genuine incidents through the proper channels.”
