West Belfast: man shot in legs

A man was recovering today (Wednesday) after being shot in both legs in Belfast.

Police branded the shooting a "stark violation" of the human rights of the victim.

Officers remained at the scene of the incident in the Divismore Park area in the west of the city.

A PSNI spokesperson said the 34-year-old victim sustained wounds to both knees and feet when he was shot in an area close to a memorial garden in Divismore Way at around 8.10pm.:

Appealing for information he added:

"Our investigation is at an early stage and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, and may have any information which could assist us, to get in touch.

"The injuries inflicted on the victim are a stark violation of his basic human rights.

"There is no justification for this type of violence.

"Attacks like these not only place the victim at risk, but also the local community.

"The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1883 of 14/02/23."

People Before Profit councillor Matt Collins condemned the "paramilitary style shooting".

He said: "Those responsible are heaping further misery on working class communities, which are racked with poverty and social deprivation.

"The perpetrators of such attacks seek to control people through fear and intimidation.

"They have nothing to offer west Belfast or anywhere else. They should get off our communities' backs."