Police say they looking into the assault of two convicted sex offenders in south Armagh on Saturday evening.
James White and Alexis Guesto – who had been on the run from police for a number of days – were found in the Mullaghbawn area following an assault.
Officers say both men had sustained injuries and were taken to Daisy Hill Hospital.
Searches had been ongoing in South Armagh for the men who police say are wanted on range of offences including including breach of licence and warrants.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police were alerted to reports of an assault in the area and upon arrival discovered the two men. Both had sustained injuries and have been taken to hospital for treatment.”
Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie from PSNI Public Protection Branch added: “I understand that feelings in the area have been running high over the search for these men, however, there can never be an excuse for violence or people taking the law into their own hands. We will be investigating the assault and working to identify anyone involved.”
Earlier this morning PSNI in Craigavon, posted about last night’s incident, welcoming the remove of the two men off the streets, but at the same time condemning the “vigilante behaviour”
“Whilst it’s great to get two arrests as these, it’s less great to have to deal with the issues that will come from this,” read the post.
“Actions such as this, whilst understandable in terms of anger and concern, are potentially crippling to any hope of a fair trial thank to the loop holes it opens for a defence to pick at.
“To those who would engage in vigilante activity, consider this – it’s not “you v us”. It’s all of us working to ensure the laws we operate under can be applied firmly to those who deserve it. ALL of us.
“On the investigating team there will be parents, aunties and uncles, friends of vulnerable people. All of them will have a personal drive to a professionally achieved goal. They are as invested in this as everyone.
“Before action is taken, think of the consequences that can come of it.”
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