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Mother and daughter lucky to be alive following shooting

Mary McQuillian and her daughter, also Mary, at the window of their Rodney Drive home that was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Picture by Mal McCann
Mary McQuillian and her daughter, also Mary, at the window of their Rodney Drive home that was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Picture by Mal McCann Mary McQuillian and her daughter, also Mary, at the window of their Rodney Drive home that was attacked by gunmen in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Picture by Mal McCann

A mother and daughter have said they can think of no reason for a drive-by shooting on their home in west Belfast.

Mary McQuillan (64) and her 29-year-old daughter, also Mary, were left shocked following the attack in the Rodney area of St James' early yesterday.

Damage was caused to the front window of the house after a shotgun was fired at the property at around 1.40am.

Mrs McQuillan, who was widowed three years ago, said she had walked past the window not long before the attack.

The force of the blast sent glass and cartridge debris right through the ground floor and into the kitchen.

The family's border collie, who was sleeping in the hallway, was showered with broken glass.

"I'd been to the bathroom about 20 minutes before - if I'd have been passing the window at the time I'd have been killed, " said Mrs McQuillan.

The grandmother, who has lived in the house for over 40 years, said she has no idea why they would have been targeted.

"We're friends with everyone, I've never had any problems and I've lived in this area all my life," she said.

"My neighbours have been calling all day to see how we are and to offer help, that's the type of place this is.

"We're very lucky not to have been hurt - my grandchildren would sometimes stay with me and would sleep on the sofa. If there had been anyone in the living room they'd have been killed, no doubt about it."

Mrs McQuillan's daughter Mary, who heard the car speeding from the scene, said they were "horrified and shocked."

"We've always lived here, we know everyone in the street, I can only assume this was mistaken identity or the wrong house.

"All the neighbours are people who have lived here for years as well. There's no reason why anyone in this street would be targeted, this is a tight knit community.

"I heard this loud bang. it was like an explosion, and then heard a car speeding off. I've no idea who's responsible but it's total madness."

She added; "We've been really touched by all the people who have called to show support and offer help".

Detective Sergeant Natalie McNally appealed for anyone who witnessed the shooting or anyone with any information that could assist the investigation to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station.