Three people have been arrested and a large quantity of cash seized in connection with the paramilitary style shooting of two men in separate incidents in north Belfast.
The men aged 45, 46 and 54-years old were arrested during raids in north and west Belfast yesterday.
The three were arrested in connection with the shooting of a man in Henry Place close to the city centre in July of this year and a second shooting in the Jamaica Street area of Ardoyne in June. One of the arrests was in the Cliftonville area.
One of those targeted Emmanuel Murphy, later posted details of his attack on social media, saying masked men burst into his Jamaica Street house where he was alone with his children and demanded money before he was shot in both feet.
In a public Facebook post he said, "A source informed us that if I made a 'public statement' to say that I was dealing drugs, I could return home. If not, I would have to leave the area.
"So I want to tell my community, I am not, and never have been, dealing drugs. I am an ordinary, hard working man, living in a council house and trying my best for my family. I have nothing to hide".
Police have said other items, including mobile phones, were siezed in the searches which involved a large numbers of officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Reid said: "The men have been taken to Musgrave Serious Crime Suite where they are currently helping police with their enquiries.
"During the searches detectives seized a large quantity of cash, mobile phones and other items. Detectives are also searching a further property in North Belfast in connection with these investigations".
