A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after firing a crossbow at police and brandishing a sword in Kilkeel yesterday, Sunday 19 April.
Officers were called to the Moorfield Court area at around 9pm after concerned members of the public reported a man in a balaclava armed with a crossbow was in the street threatening residents.
Upon police arrival the suspect had retreated to a nearby house and a prolonged stand-off ensued. Throughout a four hour period both local police and specialist Armed Response crews were subject to sustained attack from within the property, including being threatened with a large sword and targeted with crossbow bolts which narrowly missed responding officers.
The use of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and a Conducted Energy Device (CED) were authorised during the police operation and were subsequently deployed to prevent the man from harming himself or anyone else, and to enable police to safely remove him from the house.
The suspect was subsequently securely detained and placed in police custody.
District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett said: “The officers who responded to this incident, both local uniform crews and specialist resources, should be commended for the bravery and professionalism shown in what must have been a frightening situation.
“The ability to hold your nerve, remain calm and prioritise the safety of not only the public but also the suspect, in the face of continuous potentially life-threatening attack, is something that should not be underestimated.
“The arrested man received appropriate medical review following the incident and will now be questioned on suspicion of a number of extremely serious offences including attempted murder, making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.
“I would also like to express my thanks to local residents for the co-operation shown whilst we worked to bring the situation to a safe conclusion, and I am appealing to anyone in the local area with information that could assist the police investigation to please get in touch with us.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured CCTV, door-bell or any other footage in the area. Please call 101, quoting reference 1550 19/04/26 or submit info online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
“You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org ”
