Police discharged a rubber bullet in Londonderry on the night of 27 July 2026 after a man barricaded himself inside a property and threw objects from a window. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of several offences, including non-fatal strangulation and threats to kill, and remains in custody as enquiries continue.
Officers arrived in the Argyle Street area at approximately 22:45 BST that Sunday to carry out an arrest connected to a report of a serious assault earlier in the day. Police said the man had sustained a number of wounds before barricading himself inside the address.
Why did officers use a baton round?
Officers said they discharged one attenuating energy projectile (AEP), commonly referred to as a baton round or rubber bullet, due to escalating concern for the man's own safety and that of members of the public who had gathered near the scene. According to Belfast Telegraph, police characterised the situation as a “hostage-type incident” and confirmed the man was brought to safety before his arrest on suspicion of serious assault, false imprisonment and other offences.
What charges is the man facing?
The 31-year-old was arrested on suspicion of a range of offences, including non-fatal strangulation, possession of an offensive weapon with intent, threats to kill and false imprisonment. He remains in police custody while the investigation continues.
Is this part of a wider pattern?
This incident follows a series of tense standoffs involving police in Northern Ireland in recent months. In April 2026, a 40-year-old man was arrested after firing a crossbow at officers during a four-hour standoff in Kilkeel, County Down, while a separate stand-off in north Belfast in July 2026 saw a 42-year-old man arrested following a two-hour confrontation that left seven cars damaged and an officer injured.
What happens next?
The Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has been notified of the discharge of the AEP, in line with standard procedure whenever such a weapon is used. Police say enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
Key Facts
- Incident occurred in the Argyle Street area of Londonderry at approximately 22:45 BST on 27 July 2026
- A 31-year-old man barricaded himself inside a property and threw items from a window
- Police discharged one attenuating energy projectile (AEP), or baton round, citing safety concerns
- Police described the incident as a “hostage-type incident,” according to Belfast Telegraph
- The man was arrested on suspicion of non-fatal strangulation, possession of an offensive weapon, threats to kill and false imprisonment, and remains in custody
