A man has been arrested in Co Tyrone after police said a gunman pointed his weapon at an 11-year-old boy during a ‘brutal attack’ last month.
The 36-year-old man was arrested in Strabane on Tuesday morning as part of the investigation into a paramilitary style attack on 9 February.
According to police , the 11-year-old was present when the gunmen entered the home of the 19-year-old victim, who was beaten with a baseball bat and shot in the leg.
Read more: Four arrested on suspicion of drink driving offences in one night in Mid Ulster area
The arrest was made following a number of searches in the Co Tyrone town on Tuesday, with the 36-year-old arrested under the Terrorism Act.
“Detectives investigating an incident in Strabane where a teenager was shot in the leg have made an arrest and carried out a number of searches in the town this morning (29th March),” a police spokesperson said.
“The 19-year-old victim was beaten with a baseball bat before being shot in the leg in his home in Springhill Park at around 7:20pm on 9th February.
“This morning, detectives arrested a 36-year-old man under the Terrorism Act and he remains in custody assisting officers with their enquiries.”
Detective Sergeant Ballentine said: "This was a brutal attack on the victim who was at home with a family member, aged just 11 years old, when the gunmen struck. It was reported the gunmen also pointed a gun at the young boy.
"This sickening attack has left the victim with life-changing injuries along with having to deal with the trauma of what he experienced.
“I want to reiterate our appeal to anyone with information about this savage attack to call us.
"Think if this was your son, or brother or friend - how would you feel? If you have information, tell us. It may make all the difference to catching those responsible.”
Read more: Man running 5K a day to mark stillborn sister's 16th birthday
Read more: New ‘Flavour of Omagh’ food tour kicks off to highlight Co Tyrone town’s favourite spots to eat
For the latest breaking Co Tyrone news straight to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter here.
