Gun attack was a bid to kill community worker: police
POLICE are treating a gun attack on a loyalist community worker in Londonderry as attempted murder.
The 37-year-old, who carries out work for a restorative justice organisation, escaped unhurt when a masked gunman opened fire on his van at Clooneyville Avenue shortly after 8pm on Monday night.
Pellets blasted through the rear of the vehicle and lodged in the passenger seat head rest.
The man escaped to safety over a wall, while police believe the gunman fled the scene on foot along an alleyway at the back of Bonds Street.
DUP councillor David Ramsey said: “I have spoken to the victim of this attack and he realises he is lucky to be alive.
“He has no idea who carried this out or why.
“He works with Restoration North West and has done so for the past five years and is involved in mediation work within the community but he can think of no reason why this should make him a target.
“Only for his fast actions and quick response, we could be looking at a murder investigation here because clearly this was a serious attempt to kill this man.”
Mr Ramsey said the man rammed his car into a wall when he realised he was under attack and, when he got out of the vehicle, the shot was fired.
“He was able to scale a wall and run to safety,” Mr Ramsey said.
“Obviously we fully condemn this attack on this man. This was a reckless act of violence which could have had dire consequences for this man.”
Neighbours of the victim said young people in the area could have been caught in the attack.
One man who did not wish to be identified said: “This happened a wee while after 8pm when there were still people out and about.
“I know there were some youngsters around a bit before this happened. I don’t know if they were still out at the time but they could have been.
“What if one of them had been hit? It is a despicable thing to do and I hope the police catch whoever it was.”
Chief Inspector Johnny Hunter described the attack as “a determined effort to kill” and said detectives were trying to establish a motive.
“This was attempted murder,” said Mr Hunter. “I know it can be tough for people, but we need people to come forward.”
Sinn Fein councillor Christopher Jackson added: “Such at-
❝ There were youngsters around before this happened ... what if one of them had been hit?
tacks are wrong and I condemn it.
“There can be no place for the use of guns on the streets of the Waterside.
“I would call on anyone with information on this shooting incident to bring it forward to the PSNI.”
Detective Constable Richard Donnell said: “Detectives are keen to speak to anyone who was in the Bonds Street, May Street, or Clooneyville Avenue areas at around 8pm on Monday night and who may have information that could assist the investigation. Please call 101, quoting reference 1193 26/11/18.” Information can also be provided to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.