FOUR men have been arrested over the shooting of teenager in February.
The operation was onducted today by detectives from the PSNI Crime Department.
The men, one aged 22, one aged 27, and two aged 37 years old, were arrested under the Terrorism Act at locations in Eglinton, Strabane, Dungannon and Omagh.
These men are currently in Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where they are being questioned.
Their arrests are part of the investigation into the shooting of 19-year-old Liam McElhinney at around 7:20pm on 9th February in his grandmother’s house at Springhill Park in Strabane.
During the attack he was assaulted with a baseball bat and a gun was pointed at his 11-year-old brother.
Police believe the attack was conducted by the violent dissident republican group, the New IRA.
Further searches were also carried out today in Strabane and Coalisland, during which a number of items were seized for further examination.
A 36-year-old man arrested yesterday under the Terrorism Act as part of this investigation has since been released without charge.
Detective Sergeant Ballentine said: “This was a brutal attack on the victim who was at home with a family member, aged just 11 years old, when the gunmen struck.
“It was reported the gunmen also pointed a gun at the young boy.
“This sickening attack has left the victim with life-changing injuries along with having to deal with the trauma of what he experienced.
“I want to reiterate our appeal to anyone with information about this savage attack to call us.
“Think if this was your son, or brother or friend – how would you feel? If you have information, tell us.
“It may make all the difference to catching those responsible.”
Anyone with information should call 101, quoting reference 1668 of 09/02/22.
A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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