Calls for ‘police transparency’ into ‘shooting’

THERE have been calls for ‘police transparency’ into the report of a shooting in Aghyaran last month.

It was reported there was a shooting at the Corgary Road area at approximately 9.10pm on the night of December 8.

At the time of the incident, the PSNI stated that “no injuries were reported” and no arrests have been made since the shooting was reported.

West Tyrone MP Órfhlaith Begley said speculation has continued to mount in the weeks since the attack.

“I alongside my party colleagues, Maolíosa McHugh MLA and Cllr Kieran McGuire, have been in regular contact with the police regarding a report of an alleged shooting on December 8 at the Corgary Road area,” said the MP.

“I understand that a report was made to police that shots had been fired. Following this a number of road diversions had been put in place in the vicinity of the Corgary Road crossroads.

“Police have advised that there is an ongoing investigation. Unfortunately, due to the lack of information in the public domain surrounding this incident there has been speculation mounting.

“I am calling on the police to ensure that the local community are updated of all relevant information in this matter.”

Speaking the Tyrone Herald, Cllr Kieran McGuire stated that there is concern that members of the community are blaming republicans for carrying out the shooting.

Indeed a post on a Loyalist Twitter account claimed the shooting was, “Murder attempt by Republicans last night on a Protestant man near Castlederg”.

Cllr Maguire said, “The police aren’t giving us any information. There is a need for transparency about this reported shooting. Also there is a fear among people with a Loyalist site blaming this on Republicans.

“If it even did happen, the police need to say it had nothing to do with Republicans. We are also asking police to have this taken off social media.”

Police this week stated that no-one has been arrested in relation to the reported shooting and “enquiries are continuing”.

When asked whether there is any line of enquiry the PSNI are following, a spokesperson responded, “Nothing further to add at the minute”.