Police Ombudsman appeals for information following weapon discharge In Carrickfergus

Published Date: 16.06.2003

The Police Ombudsman's Office has appealed for information about an incident in Carrickfergus on the evening of Saturday 14 June 2003 during which a police officer discharged two shots from his police issue weapon.

The incident happened as police attended the Marine Highway area of the town in response to a reported stabbing incident shortly before 11.45pm.

A crowd of around 30 people had gathered in the area and an altercation was taking place between two groups of males.  It is understood that a police officer fired two shots into the air as officers moved in to rescue a man who was being assaulted by a group of between 8 and 12 people.

Further police officers arrived at the scene, and used handheld batons as they dispersed the crowd.

Police officers at the scene also reported that one man had been stabbed in the arm during the disturbance. His injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

In line with standard procedure following the discharge of a police firearm, the police informed the Police Ombudsman's on-call Senior Investigating Officer and a Police Ombudsman investigator was tasked to the scene.

The Police Ombudsman's Office has to date received no complaints from members of the public in relation to the incident.

A report will be forwarded to the Chief Constable and the Secretary of State on completion of the Police Ombudsman's investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or was in the area of Marine Highway in Carrickfergus between 11.30pm and 12.30pm is asked to contact the Police Ombudsman's Office on 028 9082 8695.

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