A paramilitary-style shooting in west Belfast where a 21-year-old man was shot in the lower leg has been described as "barbaric".
The man was targeted in the Summerhill Road area of Twinbrook at around 10.25pm yesterday.
A PSNI spokesman, who appealed for information, said: "Those who carried out this barbaric act do not represent the interests of the local community, nor do they contribute anything to it. They use violence to try and exert influence, or gain control of those they claim to represent."
Sinn Féin assembly member Órlaithí Flynn condemned the shooting, which she said took place "near a hostel which is home to many young mothers and children.
"The area around it was sealed off and it was a very distressing and frightening experience for them and other local residents," she said.
"We were contacted by a number of extremely concerned residents. This is not what the people of this area want or need and those responsible must stop.
"Anyone with information on this attack should bring it forward to the police".
Paul Doherty, SDLP representative for west Belfast, said there was "no place in our society" for people who "set out intimidate or threaten"
"Residents in this area are appalled by this and many found themselves in a position where their children were asking why there are gunmen on their street," he said.
"This can't be allowed to continue, we need to put these dark days well and truly behind us.
"Those who set out to intimidate and threaten have no place in our society. Our communities and the people of west Belfast have had enough of this mindless violence. It must end now".
