Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after crossbow attack on police during four-hour stand-off

A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police officers were targeted with crossbow bolts during a prolonged and violent stand-off in Kilkeel on Sunday night.

The incident unfolded in the Moorfield Court area at around 9pm on 19 April, when members of the public reported a masked man in the street armed with a crossbow and threatening residents.

Armed suspect sparks major police response

Officers responding to the reports found the suspect had retreated into a nearby house, triggering a major police operation involving both local units and specialist Armed Response officers.

What followed was a tense four-hour stand-off, during which police came under sustained attack from within the property.

The man repeatedly threatened officers with a large sword and discharged crossbow bolts in their direction, with projectiles narrowly missing those at the scene.

The severity of the threat prompted officers to authorise and deploy Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and a Conducted Energy Device (CED), measures used to prevent serious harm and bring dangerous situations under control.

Police confirmed these tactics were used to stop the suspect from injuring himself or others and to allow officers to safely secure the scene.

Suspect detained after sustained attack

Following the prolonged confrontation, the man was detained and taken into police custody.

He later received a medical assessment and is now being questioned on suspicion of several serious offences, including attempted murder, making threats to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon.

Police praise ‘bravery and professionalism’ under fire

District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett paid tribute to officers involved, highlighting the risks faced during the operation.

“The officers who responded to this incident, both local uniform crews and specialist resources, should be commended for the bravery and professionalism shown in what must have been a frightening situation,” she said.

“The ability to hold your nerve, remain calm and prioritise the safety of not only the public but also the suspect, in the face of continuous potentially life-threatening attack, is something that should not be underestimated.”

Appeal for information and footage

Superintendent Corbett also thanked residents for their cooperation as police worked to bring the situation under control.

She is now urging anyone with information or footage to assist the ongoing investigation.

“I would also like to express my thanks to local residents for the co-operation shown whilst we worked to bring the situation to a safe conclusion, and I am appealing to anyone in the local area with information that could assist the police investigation to please get in touch with us.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured CCTV, door-bell or any other footage in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1550 19/04/26, or submit information online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Information can also be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

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At a glance

• 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following Kilkeel incident

• Police called to Moorfield Court at around 9pm on Sunday 19 April

• Reports of masked man armed with crossbow threatening residents

• Four-hour stand-off as suspect barricaded himself inside property

• Officers targeted with crossbow bolts and threatened with a large sword

• AEPs and CED deployed to safely detain suspect

• No officers injured despite near-miss attacks

• Suspect now in custody and undergoing questioning

• Public appeal issued for information and CCTV footage