Paramilitary shootings double over last year

The latest police figures show shootings are on the increase in NI. Credit: Presseye

The number of paramilitary shootings in Northern Ireland has doubled over the last year, with a total of 28 carried out.

Twenty-five shootings by republicans and three by loyalists were recorded in the latest PSNI figures.

Paramilitary-style assaults also increased to 66, up from 58 the previous year, with loyalists deemed responsible for 56 of the casualties and republicans for 10.

The latest figures also show the highest yearly number of security-related deaths in nearly a decade.

Five were recorded in 2016/17.

PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Drew Harris said: “I acknowledge the increase in the number of victims as a result of paramilitary style attacks and would reassure local communities that we are continuing to focus on these crimes.

“The PSNI is working hard to bring those responsible for these types of crimes before the courts.

“However, we also need the support from the public in providing us with the information we need to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

While shootings increased significantly across Northern Ireland, there was a decrease in the number of bombings.

A total of 29 were recorded in 2016/17, compared to 52 the previous year.

The latest police stats show that 137 people were arrested under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act, marking a slight decrease on the previous year.

The number of people subsequently charged after arrest under that Act rose by one to 19.

Crime generally has continued to decrease though, with the overall figure the lowest since 1998/99.