Police have arrested a 51-year-old male after responding to a report of a disturbance in the Orkney Drive area of Ballymena, shortly after 11.50pm on Thursday night, 28 July.
According to local reports the disturbance centred on a block of flats near the scene of a murder which occurred in the area earlier this week.
PSNI Air Support was tasked to the area as a search ensued.
The man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon, and police confirmed on Friday evening (29 July) that he has been charged with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
He is due to appear before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on Monday August 25th.
Local residents have been calling for action after the murder of Victor Hamilton. Mr Hamilton’s body was discovered in the garden of a house in Orkney Drive on Wednesday morning, 27 July.
A local resident who has lived in the Ballykeel estate for over 40 years told Love Ballymena:
“Our estate is in shock that a murder has once again occurred in Ballykeel.
“We are a tight-knit community and we always look out for each other. The community in Ballykeel are fed up with the dealers and their drugs. We are calling for action and change in the estate.
“Enough is enough.”
Local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Beverlie Reid said:
“We are committed to working towards a solution for concerns in the area and welcome any information from the public and local community representatives.
“Our officers will continue to provide a visible policing presence throughout the area over the coming days, and we will work collectively with partner agencies, local representatives and the local community to ensure the area is safe for everyone.
“If you have any information regarding the disturbance please call 101, quoting reference number 2019 of 28/07/22.
“You can also make a report to us online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ ”