A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following a violent confrontation with police in Kilkeel on Sunday, 19 April.

The incident began around 9:00 PM when members of the public reported a man wearing a balaclava and armed with a crossbow threatening residents in the Moorfield Court area. Upon the arrival of the PSNI, the suspect retreated into a nearby property, leading to a prolonged four-hour stand-off.

During the operation, both local officers and specialist Armed Response Units were subjected to a sustained attack. The suspect brandished a large sword and fired multiple crossbow bolts from within the house, which narrowly missed the responding officers.

To bring the situation to a safe conclusion and prevent the man from harming himself or others, police authorised and deployed Attenuating Energy Projectiles (AEPs) and a Conducted Energy Device (CED). The suspect was subsequently detained and remains in police custody. District Commander Superintendent Lynne Corbett praised the responding teams, stating: "The officers who responded to this incident should be commended for the bravery and professionalism shown in what must have been a frightening situation. The ability to hold your nerve and prioritise the safety of the public and the suspect, in the face of continuous potentially life-threatening attack, is something that should not be underestimated."

The arrested man received a medical review following his detention. He is currently being questioned on several serious charges, including attempted murder, making threats to kill, and possession of an offensive weapon.

The PSNI has expressed thanks to local residents for their cooperation and is appealing for anyone with information or digital evidence to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in CCTV or doorbell camera footage from the Moorfield Court area, and mobile phone footage of the initial incident or the stand-off.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting reference 1550 19/04/26. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or via the PSNI's online reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.