Alliance MP Mrs Long was speaking after the incident, which took place along the Black Path near Connswater Street in the Holywood Arches area around 10.25pm on Wednesday (May 7). The two male victims were approached by two masked men, believed to have been armed with a suspected rifle and machete, with one being struck by the suspected gun.
Nothing is believed to have been taken during the incident and the man struck by the suspected firearm is not believed to have received any serious injuries.
Mrs Long said those who carried out the attack were “nothing but thugs”.
“I hope the two victims are able to make a full recovery from what must have been a traumatic ordeal. I am shocked this incident took place but the fact that weapons are believed to have been used gives this attempted robbery an even more sinister edge.
“The alleged perpetrators are clearly dangerous individuals who need to be taken off our streets and I would urge anyone with information about this incident to contact police, so they can be brought to justice as soon as possible.”
ENDS