It has been claimed that a man shot in Cullyhanna was not contacted by the PSNI until the following day.
Sinn Féin councillor Terry Hearty used the opportunity of the Police and Community Safety Partnership meeting on Monday to raise serious issues with policing in South Armagh.
Councillor Hearty explained: “A totally unacceptable incident occurred in which a local man was attacked by an armed gang in his own home and despite being contacted the PSNI did not visit the house until the following day. This is a disgrace and demonstrates a complete lack of regard for this man and his family.
“I have queried with the police why this was the case and they have cited the excuse of a dissident threat to explain their no show at the scene of this violent crime until the following day.
“Incidents don’t get any more serious than a member of the community being shot in his own home so I can’t accept that our police service did not attend the scene immediately.
“The dissident threat in this area is minimal but while I understand that the police perceive a danger I do not think that this is a satisfactory reason not to investigate a crime.
“The fire service and ambulance service attend vastly more dangerous incidents on a routine basis. Are the police telling us that there is no 999 police response in South Armagh?”
Councillor Hearty was particularly aggrieved by the fact that the police had indicated to the family that they would visit on the night of the attack, leading one family member not to accompany the victim to the hospital.
“A family member waited in the house for the police to call but they never came. It is simply not acceptable to change plans like this at such a serious time without notifying people. This breakdown in communication showed complete disrespect for this family.
“I am highlighting this incident to ensure that it doesn’t happen again. The people of South Armagh deserve a police service that serves the community.”
