“after some people made it clear they were not prepared to make witness statements to investigating officers”

An Irish Times hosted PA report adds some interesting detail to the story of the arrest, questioning, and subsequent unconditional release – after being in custody for 36 hours – of Shankill bomber Sean Kelly following the apparent punishment shooting of an 18-year-old in Ardoyne.  From the Irish Times report

It is understood detectives had been granted an extension to keep [Sean Kelly] in custody for a further period, but then released him after some people made it clear they were not prepared to make witness statements to investigating officers. [added emphasis]

The teenager was shot twice in the legs at shops close to his home and at one stage was dangerously ill after one of the bullets severed his femoral artery.

Another damaged his bladder. His hospital condition tonight was described as “stable”.

It is understood police have ruled out any involvement by dissident republicans opposed to the peace process.

And, as the UTV report notes

The PSNI later said that they were no longer treating it as a paramilitary attack, but that position has changed again since Kelly’s release.

“The incident is being treated once again as a suspected paramilitary style shooting, based on the information currently available to police.” – PSNI

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