A 17-YEAR-OLD boy has been shot several times in the leg in a paramilitary-style attack in north Belfast.
The boy was shot in Carlisle Square in the New Lodge area at around 7.30pm on Monday.
He was taken to hospital although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
The shooting came less than 24 hours after a man in his twenties was shot in the same area of the city.
Frankie Donnelly Jnr was shot several times in the back and buttocks in an entry between Sheridan Street and Donore Court in the New Lodge on Monday.
He is from a high-profile republican family and may have been a victim of a personal dispute.
A gunman followed Mr Donnelly into the entry shortly before 1am.
He may have tried to run away when his attacker opened fire.
His injuries are serious but are not believed to be life-threatening.
A passing motorist took Mr Donnelly to hospital.
Police have appealed for the driver to contact them.
The Irish News understands that Mr Donnelly had been under threat over a matter involving a family member of another senior republican.
Detective Inspector Mary White of the Reactive and Organised Crime Unit appealed for information.
She said the motorist “may have information which would help us with our enquiries”.
There have been several shootings in north Belfast in the last few months.
Father-of-four Michael McGibbon (33) died in hospital after he was shot three times in the leg in Ardoyne, north Belfast, last month.
The dissident republican group known as the 'IRA' later claimed responsibility for the killing.
In January, father-of-two Conor McKee (31) was found murdered at his Glenpark Street home. Police are investigating reports that his killing may have been a botched paramilitary-style attack.
Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly said those behind the two shootings over the last 24 hours had no electoral support.
"A young man was shot in the New Lodge tonight only hours after the shooting of another man in the early hours of this morning," he said.
"I condemn those responsible for both these attacks.
"Two young men have already been killed in these type of attacks in north Belfast over recent months.
"The people behind these attacks have been rejected by the people of the north Belfast at the ballot box. Only last week the people endorsed once again those who support the peace process and who are moving society forward.
"The people of north Belfast will not let these armed gangs drag us back to the past.
"Anyone with information on this incident should bring it forward to the PSNI."
