Police are trying to establish a motive.
A man was shot in both ankles during a "paramilitary-style attack" in Belfast last night (12 October), according to a spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The man's child was present in the house when the attack occurred.
Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said of the incident: "We received a report at 10:40pm that three masked men entered a house in the area and shot the male occupant, aged in his forties, in both ankles.
The PSNI were called to the scene after the man's child fled the home and ran to a neighbour's house. The man was then brought to an unspecified hospital, where he must undergo surgery.
"This was a brutal attack and occurred in the man's home while his young son was present," Brennan said.
"This young boy was placed in a reprehensible situation and has been left traumatised by the vicious and merciless actions of these thugs who hide behind masks. This is nothing short of emotional and psychological abuse of a child.
"Nothing gives these people the right to violate the human rights of people and their actions should be condemned by all.
"Those who are involved in these attacks do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it. They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent."
The PSNI has encouraged any witnesses, or anyone with information, to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101 quoting reference number 2027 of 12/10/19.
