Outrage as ‘defenceless’ young man is blasted several times in both legs by gunmen in Belfast

A YOUNG man was shot a number of times in the legs last night in a paramilitary-style attack.

The shooting happened in west Belfast’s Whiterock Drive at around 7.15pm last night.

The injured man — who is in his 20s — is receiving medical treatment for his injuries, which are not thought to be life-threatening.

Speaking in the aftermath of the attack, PSNI Inspector Laura Kelly said: “This was a reckless and brutal attack on a defenceless man and must be condemned by all.

“Our investigation is at a very early stage and I would ask anyquick one who saw any suspicious activity in the area this evening or anyone who has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to contact officers at Musgrave Street station on 101.”

Local representatives were Police at the scene in the Whiterock Drive area of west Belfast, where a man was shot in both legs. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening to condemn the shooting.

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey said: “These actions should stop immediately.

“Anyone with information about this attack should bring it forward to the police.”

Black Mountain People Before Profit representative councillor Matthew Collins said: “This type of action brings nothing but more pain and misery to already beleaguered working class communities.”

SDLP councillor Tim Attwood hit out at the attackers.

“It’s an appalling, brutal attack on a young man,” the councillor said.

“Nobody has the right to take the law into their own hands in this way.”