A YOUNG child has been left "extremely traumatised" after being "present" while a man was shot in both legs in a "horrific" paramilitary-style attack.
The shooting happened in the hallway of a house on Hazel Glen in the Lagmore area of west Belfast and was reported to police shortly before 8pm on Wednesday.
A PSNI spokeswoman said they were told "two masked males forced their way into the property and fired a number of shots at the man in the hallway".
The victim was still in hospital yesterday receiving treatment for his wounds.
"This was a merciless attack which was carried out by thugs and which has left the victim with significant injuries," she said.
"It has also left a young child and the woman who were in the house, and who heard this brutal attack being carried out, extremely traumatised.
"Those who are involved in these attacks do not represent the interests of this community, nor do they contribute anything to it.
"They do it to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent."
Police believe an Audi A3, reported to have been found burnt out on McKinstry Road around half an hour later is connected to the crime, but are still "working to establish a motive for this horrific attack".
People Before Profit assembly member Gerry Carroll said the shooting is the latest "in the space of only a few weeks" and people in the area "are fed up".
"This type of strategy offers no way forward for our communities - who are sick,sore and tired of guns repeatedly being brought out onto the streets."
Sinn Féin assembly member Órlaithi Flynn said it "was wrong and I condemn it", urging anyone with information to "bring it forward to the PSNI".
"There is no place for this type of activity on the streets and those responsible should get off the backs of the community.
SDLP councillor Brian Heading said he was "angry" at the "brutal" attack which "can never be justified nor is this violence wanted by people in this part of the city".
"Hopefully (the victim) can make a physical and mental recovery from this ordeal.
"An attack like this is appalling in any circumstance, but particularly just weeks from Christmas, with a woman and child also in the home."
Police appealed for anyone who was in the Hazel Glen area between 7.40pm and 8pm and saw or heard anything suspicious or knows anything about the Audi A3 car to call detectives at Musgrave on 101, and quote reference number 1590 09/12/20.
