Northern Ireland

West Belfast shooting: Police hunt for men after murder bid

The scene where the man was shot at Distillery Court in west Belfast 
The scene where the man was shot at Distillery Court in west Belfast  The scene where the man was shot at Distillery Court in west Belfast 

POLICE are trying to trace two gunmen after an attempted murder bid on a man in west Belfast.

The 28-year-old, who is "expected to pull through" from his injuries was shot at least three times at a house in Distillery Court off the Grosvenor Road on Friday morning.

He suffered injuries to his head, arm, chest and leg and is being treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital.

Detective Inspector Chris Wilson, who is leading the investigation, said: "The victim is undergoing surgery and we believe he will pull through."

It is understood the victim managed to stagger out of the property and raise the alarm with neighbours.

Police are hunting two people believed to have been involved.

The suspects entered the house at about 9.45am on Friday and shot the victim before fleeing on foot towards the Grosvenor Road.

Mr Williams said: "Although we are following a number of lines of enquiry in this investigation, we are keeping an open mind as to a motive.

"We will be in a better position to be clear about what happened and why if people who have information come forward to police and provide us with details which we can turn into evidence.

"We have a report of a man aged in his mid-30s running along Distillery Street onto the Grosvenor Road and into Leeson Street shortly after the shooting.

"He was well groomed with a ginger beard and was wearing a blue tracksuit with the hood up, a hat and leather gloves.

"I am appealing to anyone who saw this man this morning to contact us.

"I am also appealing to anyone who saw two people in and around Distillery Court between 9.30-10am this morning or perhaps saw individuals get into a car on the Grosvenor Road to contact police."

An extensive police cordon was erected around the scene with plainclothes detectives carrying out door-to-door enquiries.

The attack happened as counting of votes from Thursday's Stormont Assembly election got under way.

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said: "I absolutely condemn the shooting of a man in the Grosvenor area of West Belfast this morning.

"Those responsible need to be taken off the streets.

"Anyone with any information must bring it forward to the police."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact officers on the non emergency 101 number.