Police say man shot in Belfast is 'lucky to be alive'

Police in Belfast have not ruled out the possible involvement of a dissident republican group in the shooting of a taxi driver at the weekend.

Two masked men fired shots through the window of the taxi parked in the Bell Steel Manor area of Dunmurry at around 10.30am on Sunday.

Police investigating the attempted murder said the man is "lucky to be alive".

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Quinn told reporters that there will be an increased police presence across west Belfast.

Asked whether police believe a dissident republican group was involved in the shooting, Ms Quinn said: "It's a really early stage in the investigation, which I'm sure you'll appreciate, and we're keeping all lines of inquiry open. It really is too early at this stage to confirm a motive for the attack.

"I'm aware of media speculation involving retaliation, and I really would urge anyone to desist, and (I) appeal for people in the community, anybody who has information in relation to what has happened or what may be, to come to us with the information.

"But again, I would urge anyone to desist in any form of retaliation. More violence is not the answer."