Intimidation fears after masked men appear on streets of Carrick

In a video circulating on social media, a man can be heard challenging those involved in the intimidation to “catch a grip”.

Some newspaper reports suggest that paramilitiaries were behind the intimidation attempt on Thursday evening.

The man remonstrating with the mob questions why it was necessary to send them to his home over “kids fighting”.

He can be heard shouting: “Because this teenage niece jumped my wee sister you are up her like this? Catch a f****** grip.”

At one point he shouts at someone in the crowd: “We came to see you – not run to paramilitaries.”

He added: “Nice show of strength, now f*** off.”

One voice in the crowd shouts in response: “What if I come over there and bash your skull in?”

During the verbal exchange, several of the masked men shouted abuse and the householder and made obscene gestures.

Responding to the reports, former RUC and PSNI senior police officer Jim Gamble tweeted: “Bullying by bullies incapable of change. No logic, no reason other than a belief in their own self importance & strength in numbers.”

Mr Gamble added: “The only thing they’ll understand is the full force of the law.”

Also on Twitter, Justice Minister Naomi Long said she would be following up on the concerns expressed.

“Very concerning. Will raise with local PSNI,” Mrs Long said.

Speaking to the News Letter, DUP councillor Billy Ashe said he condemned the incident, and added; “It is not something that we want to see in Carrickfergus.

“We want to see people use the PSNI and the proper rule of law. I would appeal to anybody with any knowledge of this incident to go to the PSNI.”

The PSNI said officers attended the scene on Thursday, however it is understood the area was quiet on their arrival and no action was taken at that time.

Sinn Fein MLA Linda Dillon believes loyalist paramilitaries were involved.

She said: “Reports that a masked loyalist gang attempted to intimidate a family and force them from their home in Carrickfergus are shocking and disgraceful.

“It is now 24 years since our peace agreement, the Good Friday was endorsed in referenda by the people of Ireland, north and south.”

“Yet in 2022, loyalist paramilitaries continue to be involved in murder, racketeering, extortion, drug dealing and issuing sectarian threats.”

Ms Dillon added: “This type of activity must end and these paramilitary gangs should leave the stage.”

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “Police received a report of a number of people outside a house in the Cragfergus Avenue area of Carrickfergus shortly before 8.40pm on Thursday, September 22.”