Latest: Detectives investigating daylight shooting in Cookstown believe masked men '˜spotted by locals'

Police said that at around 5.40pm (Sunday 5 June) two men wearing balaclavas and camouflage jackets entered a house in Drumcree.

The intruders, one of whom was armed with a handgun, threatened the occupants before shooting a 35-year-old male in both legs.

After being taken to Antrim Hospital for treatment the local man is now said to be in a stable condition.

Detective Inspector Will Tate said: “Incredibly this incident occurred in a busy residential area during daylight hours.

“We believe those responsible may well have been spotted by local people both as they approached the property and as they made their escape from the area on foot.

“We are keen to hear from witnesses or anyone with any other information about this crime. The number to call is 101.”

“If someone would like to provide information without giving their name, they can contact the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Although eye-witness reports suggested there was a party going on inside the house at the time, police said that just a man and woman, both in their 30s, were inside.

Local reports suggest the injured man had a row with a younger man before the attack, and that after he was removed from the house by paramedics around 10 people followed.