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24th Mar 2019

Police are investigating a paramilitary-style attack in Belfast

Alan Loughnane

derry attack

“There is absolutely no justification for an attack like this in our communities.”

A man has been shot in a paramilitary-style shooting in west Belfast.

The PSNI said they received a report around 7.55pm on Saturday night that a man in his 50s had been shot in both knees.

The incident occurred in the Ardmonagh Parade area.

The man was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment for the injuries to his lower legs from the shooting.

Detective Sergeant Armstrong of the PSNI said: “This was a vicious and brutal attack at a time in the evening when families were going about their business. The very fact that whoever pulled the trigger thought it was acceptable to recklessly shoot this man in a built-up area where children and teenagers could be passing by shows the contempt they have for their community.

“The bullets could have strayed at any moment and hit someone passing by. This is utterly appalling and needs to stop.

“Anyone who witnessed this shooting would have been petrified, including the victim himself. This is not what we want in our communities.

“There is absolutely no justification for an attack like this in our communities, and we must all work together to bring those responsible to justice and to stop this from happening to anyone else.

“If you were in the area of Ardmonagh Parade or Norglen Parade last night, or if you know anything about this incident which could assist us with our investigation please, pick up the phone and call detectives at Musgrave on 101 and quote reference number 1162 of 23/03/19.”

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