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A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after an armed standoff with police in Kilkeel yesterday Sunday 19 April. Officers were called to the Moorfield Court area after a man armed with a crossbow was reported to be threatening local residents.
Police received calls at around 9pm from concerned members of the public reporting a man wearing a balaclava and carrying a crossbow in the street. Upon arrival, officers found the suspect had retreated to a nearby house, where a four-hour standoff followed.
During the standoff, both local police officers and specialist Armed Response crews came under sustained attack from within the property. Officers were threatened with a large sword and targeted with crossbow bolts, which narrowly missed responding officers.
The use of Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and a Conducted Energy Device (CED) were authorised during the operation and deployed to prevent the man from harming himself or others, and to allow police to safely remove him from the property. The suspect was subsequently detained and taken into custody.
District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett said: "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. 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."
The arrested man received a medical review following the incident and is to be questioned on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted murder, making threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.
Superintendent Corbett thanked local residents for their co-operation during the incident and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Police are also appealing for anyone who may have captured CCTV, doorbell or any other footage in the area to get in touch by calling 101, quoting reference 1550 19/04/26, or by submitting information online at www.psni.police.uk. Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
