A man has been taken into police custody following two separate reports of criminal damage and an assault in Markethill on Tuesday, 6 January.

The first incident occurred in the early hours of the morning, at approximately 1.25am, when police were notified that windows had been smashed at a property in the Newry Street area.

A second report followed shortly before 8.50am, involving a business in the Main Street area. It was reported that a man broke the front window of a shop before physically assaulting a member of staff by placing them in a headlock.

Upon arrival, officers found a suspect being detained by members of the public. The man, aged in his thirties, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of common assault, criminal damage, and disorderly behaviour.

Sergeant Bigger commented on the investigation: "Around 1.25am, police received a report of windows being broken at a property in the Newry Street area. "Shortly before 8.50am, a further report was received that a man had broken the front window of a shop in the Main Street area. He was also reported to have assaulted a staff member, putting him in a headlock.

"When police arrived, a suspect was being detained by members of the public and was taken into police custody.

"The man, aged in his thirties, was arrested on suspicion of offences including common assault, criminal damage and disorderly behaviour. He remains in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is now appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage of the events to come forward.

Sergeant Bigger added: "While we have already conducted a number of enquiries, we are keen to speak to anyone who may have information which could assist with our investigation. Were you in the area at the time and saw anything? Do you have dashcam, CCTV or other video footage?"

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 242 of 6/1/26. Alternatively, reports can be made online via the PSNI website or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.