Paramilitary fears after two shootings in Maghera and Tobermore inside 24 hours

Two gun attacks on houses in south Derry within 24-hours of each other have raised security concerns in the area.
Police PSNI officer scenePolice PSNI officer scene
Police PSNI officer scene

Police have stepped up mobile patrols in the Magherafelt district in an effort to deter any possible future incidents.

There has also been a noticeable increase in the number of late night checkpoints.

No one was injured in either of the shootings in Tobermore and outside Upperlands.

But, as one political representative put it: “This sort of violence has the potential to endanger life – it is totally unacceptable and has no place in society.”

The motive behind the shootings is unclear and detectives are appealing to the community to help them in bringing those responsible to justice.

However, the use of firearms gives cause for concern that paramilitaries could have been involved.

The first shooting happened in the Hillmount Park area of Tobermore in the early hours of last Thursday when two shots struck the front door and window. A man living in the premises was unhurt.

Just 24-hours later an almost identical attack took place at a property on the Drumlane Road, Tamlaght, near Upperlands. The house was unoccupied at the time.

Appealing for help, detectives want to hear from anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the areas, or who has any information to contact detectives in Cookstown on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.