Masked gang smash up Factory homes

The houses were attacked by a large group of masked men at around 12.40am. The men were reported to have been armed with hammers and they smashed windows and doors of the two properties.

The male occupants of the houses were not injured.

Police would ask anyone with any information about these incidents to contact them in Larne on 0845 600 8000.

Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Meanwhile, Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has condemned those responsible for the attacks, describing it as like a scene from the Wild West.

“I am obviously very concerned at reports of masked men armed with hammers attacking houses,” he told the Larne Times.

“This is Wild West stuff, which must be condemned without reservation.

“Clearly there is a continuing problem with gangs in some parts of the borough. Whether those involved belong to a criminal gang or a paramilitary gang, whether they describe themselves as loyalist or republican is beside the point.

“Damaging property is a criminal action,” the Assembly member said.

Mr Beggs added that if the occupant of the homes had confronted the attackers, the hammers could easily been used in a serious assault or worse.

“I would appeal to the public to help the police in identifying those behind these incidents before someone is maimed, and for the PSNI to take robust action in identifying the culprits and taking them off our streets.

“Whilst the criminal justice system has imperfections, it is still much better than the law of the jungle,” said Mr Beggs.