Teenager shot in both arms and legs in ‘brutal paramilitary-style attack’, Northern Ireland police say

'Unknown intruders' shoot 18-year-old four times

The injured man is recovering in hospital, police said (Getty)

A teenager has been shot in both legs and both arms in a ‘brutal paramilitary-style attack’, police in Northern Ireland’s County Antrim have said.

The 18-year-old is recovering in hospital where his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The shooting comes amid a surge in paramilitary “punishment” attacks, which have risen to the highest level in four years.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the attack, carried out by “unknown intruders” took place at a house in the Moneycannon Road area of Ballymoney.

PSNI Inspector Vince Redmond said: “We received a report that an 18-year-old man had been shot four times, once in each arm and leg, at around 3.30am this morning by unknown intruders.

"The injured man has since been taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries."

Inspector Redmond urged anyone with information about the attack to contact police.

"Our enquiries are at a very early stage into what was a brutal attack on a young man in his home by dangerous and violent individuals, and I would ask anyone with any information which could assist us to apprehend those responsible to contact detectives at Coleraine on 101 quoting reference number 324 23/09/18," he added.

PSNI figures have revealed soaring numbers of paramilitary-style attacks from both Ulster loyalists and Republican dissidents since 2013.

In 2013 there were 64 such attacks from republican dissidents as well as ongoing loyalist paramilitary violence often directed at their own communities, The Guardian reported earlier this year.

In 2017 the figure rose to 101 shootings and beatings.