Man arrested after gun report at Antrim shopping centre as PSNI clarifies separate officer investigation

Police have arrested a 25-year-old man following a report of a male with a gun at a shopping centre in Antrim — while also confirming a completely separate misconduct investigation involving an off-duty probationer police officer.

The developments, both linked to incidents on Sunday 1 March, prompted commentary online suggesting a connection between the two matters. However, the PSNI has moved to firmly dispel that claim.

Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton confirmed the arrest related to the firearms report was made two days later in the north coast area.

He said:

“Police arrested a 25 year old man on suspicion of carrying an imitation firearm in a public place and possession of a class B controlled drug in the Portrush area on Tuesday 3 March.

“The arrest followed a report of a male with a gun at a shopping centre in Antrim on the afternoon of Sunday 1 March.”

Police confirmed the suspect has since been questioned and released on bail while further enquiries continue.

“The male was interviewed and released on police bail to allow for further enquiries. This male is not a serving police officer.”

Alongside the arrest investigation, police have also opened a misconduct probe into an unrelated matter involving a probationer constable.

Singleton said the separate investigation concerns an incident in the Coleraine area on the same evening.

“In an unrelated matter police are investigating the circumstances of an incident involving an off duty probationer constable in the Coleraine area on the evening of Sunday 1 March.

“Police have commenced a misconduct investigation and enquires are ongoing to establish if the officer has committed any offences relating to the misuse of police systems. The officer has not been suspended and their duty status will be kept under review.”

Police say speculation circulating online has incorrectly linked the two cases, something the service has now addressed directly.

“We are aware of commentary on social media linking these two incidents. This is unhelpful, they are not connected in any way.”

Investigations in both matters remain ongoing.

At a glance

• Police arrested a 25-year-old man in Portrush on Tuesday 3 March.

• The arrest followed a report of a man with a gun at a shopping centre in Antrim on Sunday 1 March.

• The suspect is being investigated for carrying an imitation firearm in public and possessing a Class B drug.

• He was interviewed by police and released on bail while enquiries continue.

• Police have also launched a separate misconduct investigation involving an off-duty probationer constable in Coleraine.

• The officer has not been suspended and their duty status is under review.

• PSNI says the two incidents are unrelated despite speculation on social media.