Search icon

News

29th Apr 2018

Two men in custody after police find them ‘tied up on bench and covered in paint’

Footage believed to be the two men was shared on social media over the weekend

Kate Demolder

Footage believed to be the two men was shared on social media over the weekend

Police hunting two wanted men who were on the run in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, say the pair have been taken to hospital after being assaulted in Mullaghbawn.

A PSNI search operation had been ongoing for James White and Alexis Guesto, two men who were wanted in Northern Ireland for a range of offences, including breach of licence and warrants.

Police believe the pair had recently travelled to Northern Ireland from the Republic as a result of a number of sightings reported to police in the South Armagh and Newry areas.

The PSNI has said it is working closely with An Garda Síochána to establish the whereabouts of the two men.

On Thursday afternoon, police seized a blue Peugeot car from a car park on the Chancellors Road in Mullaghbawn after a member of the public expressed concern.

Cred: Google Maps

In a statement, police said they were also aware of comments on social media regarding the vehicle and were appealing for anyone who might have spotted the car in the local area or anyone who observed the occupant(s) of the car after it was parked to contact police.

According to police, both men were located in the Mullaghbawn area of south Armagh on Saturday evening following reports of an assault in the area.

Footage and images of the two men were shared on social media, appearing to show them on a bench with their hands tied behind their backs and covered in grey paint.

Police say the two men have sustained injuries and have been taken to hospital for treatment.

Detective Chief Inspector Jill Duffie, from PSNI Public Protection Branch, said: “I understand that feelings in the area have been running high over the search for these men, however, there can never be an excuse for violence or people taking the law into their own hands. We will be investigating the assault and working to identify anyone involved.”

Earlier the PSNI had thanked the public for its help, and confirmed there had been a “number of positive sightings” of the two men in south Armagh and Newry, Co Down.