Man shot in ankles during 'brutal' and 'despicable' shooting

A young west Belfast boy has been left traumatised after witnessing a paramilitary style gun attack on his dad.

Three men forced their way into a house in Brooke Drive last night and shot the man - aged in his 40s - in both ankles.

His young son ran to neighbours to raise the alarm.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: "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 man's child ran to a neighbour's house to raise the alarm and police subsequently attended the scene, along with the NIAS who transferred the victim to hospital where he remains this morning to undergo surgery.

"This was a brutal attack and occurred in the man's home while his young son was present."

DI Brennan added: "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.

"No one has the right to violate the rights of others."

Police say an investigation is underway to establish a motive for the attack.

“I want to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone with any information about this attack to pick up the phone and tell us what you know. I would also appeal to anyone who noticed three men in the area at around 10:35pm and leave at around 10:40pm to call our detectives at Musgrave on 101 quoting reference number 2027 of 12/10/19.

"Information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."