Outrage after children witness man being assaulted and shot three times
FOUR young children witnessed a man being shot three times in a “brutal” paramilitary-style attack in west Belfast.
It marked the end of a year in which almost 100 people were casualties of paramilitary gun attacks or beatings.
Although the total number of victims of paramilitaries in 2017 has not been officially revealed, it’s believed to be just under 100 — the highest total since 2009.
Roughly a quarter of victims were shot.
The 28-year-old man was hit over the head before being shot in both knees and an ankle in Cavendish Street on Saturday just before 8pm.
He is the second man to be shot in such a way in the city in the last week.
A female was assaulted and four young children who were in the house witnessed this horrific attack, police said.
The victim was taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, where he remains.
Police described the attack as “brutal” and said that the children had been left terrified by the incident.
A PSNI detective said: “This was a brutal attack in a busy residential area and yet another example of how criminal groups seek to control communities through fear and violence. The residents, including young children, have been left terrified by these events.”
SDLP councillor Tim Attwood condemned those behind the attack.
“My immediate thoughts are with the victim and their family who must be greatly distressed at this time,” he said.
“As we celebrate the dawn of 2018 and the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, there can be no place for such brutal and violent attacks in our society.”
Police are keen to hear from anyone with information about this crime or anyone who may be able to help identify the perpetrators.
It comes just over a week after a young man was left severely injured in a similar assault.
On December 23 the 18-yearold was left with what police said were “potentially life-changing injuries” when he was shot twice in the leg at Pembroke Loop in Dunmurry.
Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Police recently said that the number of casualties resulting from paramilitary-style shootings doubled in 2016/17 compared to the previous financial year.
There were 28 casualties resulting from paramilitary-style shootings in 2016/17.