Shots fired at Co Antrim home in attempted murder investigation

Detectives have launched an attempted murder investigation after several shots were fired at a house in County Antrim while two people were inside.

The attack happened at a property in the Craigahullier area of Portrush shortly before 11pm on Thursday, 9 July.

No injuries were reported, despite bullets striking two bedroom windows and the front door of the house.

Burnt-out car may be connected

Police were alerted at around 11.25pm and officers subsequently searched the surrounding area.

Detective Inspector Connolly said:

“Two people were present in the property when this occurred; however, thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.

“Officers subsequently attended the scene and conducted a search of the area. A number of shots had been fired at two bedroom windows of the house, as well as at the front door.

“Our enquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which we’re treating as attempted murder.”

Detectives are also investigating a burnt-out car discovered in a forest area off Conogher Road in Ballymoney during the early hours of Friday, 10 July.

Police believe the vehicle may be connected to the shooting.

Appeal for sightings of two vehicles

Officers want to hear from anyone who saw a Volkswagen Passat or Volkswagen Jetta in the Portrush or Ballymoney areas on Thursday night or during the early hours of Friday.

Detective Inspector Connolly added:

“We’re keen to speak with anyone who might have seen anything suspicious in both areas, or who might have any information which could assist with our investigations — including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage.”

Information can be submitted through the PSNI’s witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals, quoting reference 1850 of 09/07/26.

Anyone with information can also contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Information can also be provided online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

The investigation is continuing as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether the burnt-out vehicle was used during the attack.