Off-duty police officer injured in Newtownabbey shooting

The man taken to hospital following a shooting in Newtownabbey, County Antrim, was an off duty police officer.

It is believed his personal protection weapon was used and a 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the incident was not being treated as terrorism related.

The police officer's injuries were not believed to be life threatening.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 21:40 GMT on Monday after reports of an incident in the Fairview Avenue area.

It despatched two emergency crews and two ambulance officers to the incident.

A large police cordon has been in place between Fairview Avenue, Ravelston Grove and Beverley Road.

Asst Ch Con Ryan Henderson said his thoughts are with the man and his family and that the PSNI "will offer every support to them while he recovers".

"We will continue to liaise with other key stakeholders, including the Police Federation," he added.

The PSNI has appealed for information about the incident.

The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland said it was obtaining information about the circumstances of the shooting to determine if there were any issues regarding police officer conduct that would require investigation.

Earlier, DUP MLA Pam Cameron said she was shocked by the incident and grateful for a swift response from PSNI.