Chief Constable Simon Byrne speaks to press at Strand Road police station over attempts in September by New IRA to murder police in Derry and Strabane with deadly improvised bombs
Overall, the number of paramilitary-style assaults in the North of Ireland increased to 60 in the last year, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne police havs said.
Although most were carried out in Belfast, Newtownabbey and Antrim, Derry and Strabane also saw a large rise in the number of casualties.
Six of the victims during the last 12 months were aged under 18.
PSNI chief constable Simon Byrne said: “It is an odious crime and how people think it is legitimate is beyond belief in civic society.”
There were 17 casualties from paramilitary-style shootings during the last 12 months, compared to 21 during the previous 12 months.
Of these 17 shootings, 10 occurred in Derry City and Strabane areas.
The most recent attack happened in the Galliagh area when a man in 30s was shot in both legs by dissident republican paramilitaries.
Police believe both the New IRA and INLA are involved in these so-called punishment attacks.
Mr Byrne added: “Republican, loyalist and organised criminal groups continue to conduct paramilitary-style attacks and intimidation directed at the wider community.
“These brutal attacks remain a significant issue in many communities in Northern Ireland.”
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byron described paramilitary attacks as “odious”
The review said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking continues to be a fast-growing crime in Northern Ireland.
“During the 2018/19 financial year, 59 potential victims were identified in Northern Ireland, an increase compared to 36 the previous year.
“Already this financial year 64 potential victims have been recovered in Northern Ireland.”
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