Man in court after threatening public with weapons in Coalisland

PEOPLE fled in terror yesterday (Sunday) afternoon when a man brandishing two machetes threatened members of the public.

The alarming episode occurred in Coalisland after a 25-year-old male was seen ‘attacking’ an ATM machine with the weapons.

He then turned his attention to passers-by while nearby shops locked their doors in fright.

Police arrived and the man spat at them before being arrested. He is due to appear at Enniskillen Magistrates court on April 29.

Speaking with the Tyrone Herald, eye-witness Anthony Campbell recalled the ‘frightening’ turn of events which took place in the Derry Road area of the town.

“I was getting out of my car to head into the local chip shop when I saw the man make his way across the road to an ATM which he began smashing with two machetes,” said Mr Campbell.

“I did try and talk to him but he rushed past me and began threatening people up the road a bit.

“He seemed to be under the influence of something but I didn’t approach him as the two weapons he had looked very dangerous.

“The chip shop even locked their doors out of fear that he would come in. Everyone was afraid because he was just waving the machetes around.”

In a statement following the incident, Inspector Knipe of the PSNI said, “We received a report shortly before 1.45pm on Sunday that a man, armed with two machetes, was threatening people in the Derry Road area.

“Officers and attended and quickly located the 25-year-old man, arresting him on suspicion of possession of an article with a blade or point in a public place. During the arrest, the man spat at an officer, and was further arrested on suspicion of assault on police.

“He remains in police custody at this time.”

Police enquiries are ongoing into this incident, and they encourage anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101 quoting reference 774 28/04/24.

Local Independent republican councillor, Dan Kerr described the incident as “alarming.”

He said, “It is very concerning that this happened in Coalisland, particularly on a Sunday afternoon.

“This is very alarming for the local community and I hope such behaviour is not repeated again as it’s a very dangerous situation for an innocent bystander to face.”