The footage, shows a single gunman, wearing a dark balaclava, approach the house and fire three shots with what appears to be a semi-automatic weapon.

The young man and woman, who were in bed upstairs when the gunman opened fire at 12.30am on Tuesday, believe they have been singled out because they spoke out against the erection of flags in the mainly unionist Rossdale estate in the south of Ballymena.

Police investigating the shooting later arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder. He was later released pending further inquiries.

As the clean-up operation at their home continued yesterday, the couple, who did not wish to be named, said the shooting was the third attack in recent weeks.

"The first thing we heard was a long bang and then the living room window came in," said the woman. "Total shock, that's the only way we could describe it.

"We had been attacked twice before, with stones and bricks thrown at the windows of the house and our car, but to have a gun fired at your home is frightening.

"This all started after I spoke to a man who was putting up a flag right outside our house. There had been an arrangement that no flags would go up before July 1, but about three weeks ago this man just ignored the agreement and this now seems to be what happens when you speak out. I don't think we'll have a great night's sleep after this.

"I am a member of the residents' association here, and it was agreed by everyone that the flags should not be put up until this date."

Her partner added: "I wouldn't say we are living in fear, but this was very frightening. No one should have to live under this kind of threat because they disagree with flags going up. The people living in this area don't want flags flying here all year round."

The couple, both Protestants, said they would not be intimidated.

"We won't be leaving here because of this. We are both from Ballymena. Neighbours have been great, coming over and showing their support. This is a mixed area here, but it seems that one or two individuals think they can just do what they like," said the woman.

DUP councillor John Carson condemned the attack and said that a deal had been done last year through which flags would be put up on July 1 and taken down on August 1.

He added that someone had "taken it upon themselves" to put flags on every lamppost in the development.