Northern Ireland

Man shot several times in both legs in paramilitary-style attack in west Belfast

Police attend the scene of a paramilitary-style attack in Whiterock Drive on Friday night. Picture by Matt Bohill
Police attend the scene of a paramilitary-style attack in Whiterock Drive on Friday night. Picture by Matt Bohill Police attend the scene of a paramilitary-style attack in Whiterock Drive on Friday night. Picture by Matt Bohill

A MAN in his 20s was shot several times in both legs in a "brutal" paramilitary-style attack in west Belfast last night.

It is understood the victim was hit at least five times in the attack in the Whiterock Drive area.

His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey condemned the shooting.

"These actions should stop immediately. Anyone with information about this attack should bring it forward to the police," he said.

SDLP councillor Tim Attwood also said "nobody has the right to take the law into their own hands".

"This is not supported by the community."

PSNI Inspector Laura Kelly said: "This was a reckless and brutal attack on a defenceless man and must be condemned by all."

It is the latest paramilitary-style attack in west Belfast.

At the end of December police said four children were left "terrified" after witnessing a shooting at their home in the Cavendish Street area.

That came days after figures revealed that paramilitary shootings and assaults had reached an eight-year high, with more than 90 attacks linked to paramilitaries during 2017.