DETECTIVES investigating the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in Bangor on Wednesday evening are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
The PSNI has released only brief details of the incident, but it is understood the officer was attacked while investigating suspicious activity outside his property in the Springhill area of the town around 7.30pm.
A security source told the News Letter that the officer pulled on lightweight body armour and armed himself with his Glock pistol before going outside. However, he was overpowered and struck by a bullet fired from his own gun. He was uninjured due to his body armour.
Initial reports said the officer was grazed by a bullet. But later on Wednesday night police confirmed the householder had received medical treatment as a precaution only. At present the incident is not being linked to terrorist activity.
The Police Ombudsman’s office has said they are “monitoring the situation” but have not yet made a decision about a formal investigation.
Two men, aged 45 and 52, were arrested in connection with the incident a short time later but have been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Detectives have appealed for anyone who was in the Springhill area between 6.45pm and 7.45pm last Wednesday to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800 555 111.
