Children escape injury as shots fired at house in Newtownards

Police are linking the incident, which took place in the West Winds area in the early hours of Thursday morning, to a “loyalist feud between drug gangs”.

Detective Sergeant Westbury said: “Police received a report at approximately 12.55am on Thursday, 20 July that at least two shots had been directed towards the front of a house in the area.The officer said that “extensive damage was caused to the door and front window of the property” at Stirling Avenue.

"There were four people in the house at the time of the shooting, including children. Thankfully, no injuries were reported following what was a completely irresponsible and reckless attack which could have had extremely serious consequences.”

D/S Westbury added: “Everyone has the right to live free from the threat of violence, and our enquiries are an early stage to determine who was involved and a motive.“At present, however, we are potentially linking this report to an ongoing investigation into criminal activity linked to a loyalist feud between drugs gangs in North Down.

“Paramilitaries are not defenders of their communities, instead they are criminals who prey on vulnerable people and exploit any circumstances they can for their own gain.“We are appealing to anyone who was in the Stirling Avenue area on Thursday morning shortly before 1am, and who noticed anything suspicious, or who may have dash-cam or mobile footage that could help with our investigation to get in touch.

“You can contact police on 101 quoting reference number 64 of 20/07/23 or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”.Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org