There are evenings when a home — usually a sanctuary of laughter, cupboard doors closing and soft footsteps — becomes something unthinkably changed by an unexpected intrusion. In Ballymoney, County Antrim, what began as an ordinary Friday night was shattered by fear and confusion when masked men forced their way into a house in the Carnany Park area, leaving a family shaken and a neighborhood talking about how quickly the rhythm of daily life can be disrupted.
Police were called to the house at around 9.15 p.m. on Friday, responding to reports that two men wearing masks and armed with weapons had entered the property and begun damaging its interior. Inside at the time were several adults and a number of children, whose presence made what followed all the more distressing for those nearby who have since reflected on how frightening such moments can feel when they happen close to home.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the assailants caused “a significant amount of damage” to the interior of the house, smashing numerous items before leaving the scene. The physical effects of that violence — broken furniture and displaced belongings — were mirrored by the emotional impact on the family, especially on the young ones present, who were left distressed by the incident.
Paramedics from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service attended alongside police officers. A woman inside the home was assaulted by the attackers and taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries, which were not believed to be life-threatening. The other adults and children were not reported to have sustained serious physical harm, but their emotional wellbeing was said to be a key concern for authorities on the ground.
The PSNI described the incident as “very distressing,” noting that having children present during such a violent intrusion compounds the trauma for everyone involved. Specialists often emphasize that even when injuries are not severe, the psychological impact on children who witness or hear frightening events can be lasting, underscoring why support from authorities and community networks is important in the aftermath.
Detectives conducting the enquiry believe the two men ran down an alleyway beside the neighbour’s property after fleeing the scene. Officers are appealing to local residents who may have seen anything unusual in the area on Friday night, including dash-cam or CCTV footage, that could help identify those responsible. The force asked anyone with information to contact them via the 101 non-emergency number quoting reference 1488 of 30/01/26.
Neighbourhood reaction has centered on relief that no children were physically badly hurt, coupled with concern about the brazen nature of the attack. In quieter moments after emergency crews departed, locals spoke of how unsettling it was to imagine such an event unfolding so close to places where families usually feel safe and secure. Many expressed support for the victims and a shared desire to see justice served.
In straightforward terms: two masked men armed with weapons forcibly entered a house in Carnany Park, Ballymoney, on Friday evening. A woman was assaulted and taken to hospital for treatment, and several children inside were left distressed. A significant amount of property damage was caused before the suspects fled the scene. Police are appealing for witnesses and information to assist their ongoing investigation.
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Sources : Belfast Telegraph The Irish News Ireland Live Echo Live Yahoo News Canada